Embedded Files
Redesigning a university program page with prospective students in mind
Project Goals
To evaluate the usability of the website.
To identify obstacles users encounter when searching for information.
To propose improvements to enhance the website's user experience.
Research Questions
What are the main usability issues of the website?
What specific obstacles do users face when trying to find resources on the website?
How can the website be improved to better serve its users?
Role: UX designer
Company: University of Baltimore
Team: 4 UX Designers
Tools Used: Figma, Google Forms, Adobe Illustrator
Timeline: 4 weeks
Deliverables: Website redesign concept, interactive quiz prototype, user feedback analysis
The Problem
The Design@UBalt page has outdated degree and course information and hasn’t undergone any design changes in at least a decade.
The University of Baltimore wants a fresh and interactive way for students to find more information about the design degrees and courses offered at the school.
Understanding The User
Students at UBalt are typically working adults between 24 - 35 years old looking for schooling that is affordable or easily financed ambitious and eager to accomplish their goals.
We identified 3 main user groups: Prospective Undergraduate, Prospective Graduate, and Prospective Certificate students
Heuristics
1
The information on the page is categorized well. It’s easy to see the different design degrees offered at UBalt.
2
The website only tells you the type of degree and degree name then links you out to the degree webpage.
3
Shows student work at the bottom of the page and highlights a past student’s quote.
4
Student work seems like it should be interactive but is not. The whole website has low interactivity and all information links off from the Design@ UBalt website.
Master of Arts in Integrated Design has no other information listed it just links out to the degree page
Student Creative Works Gallery seems as if it should be a carousel but are only stationary pictures
Sketches
Prototype
Usability Study
Participant 1
44 Years old, Male
Less that $19,999
Costa Rica
Participant 2
25 years old, Female
$80,000 -$99,999
United Kingdom
Participant 3
25 years old, Male
$40,000 -$59,999
United States
Participant 4
33 Years old, Female
$20,000 -$39,999
United States
Participant 5
25 Years old, Male
Less that $19,999
India
Findings
Feedback
Drop down list text is spaced unevenly
Inconsistent formatting
The drop downs on the result pages can’t be minimized after opening
The inability to select two options at the same time in some questions
The design felt quite basic. i.e white background, rectangular text boxes
Confusion on if the results page was the result or asking more questions
Users Recommended
Improve the readability of the first question of the quiz. Move the word “IN” to the first line.
What Design field are you interested in
personally or professionally?
Include information on whether someone can still get accepted if they don't have a degree in design.
Include a live chat button on the quiz results page
Put the "Contact Us" at the bottom of the result page instead of the more information
Provide information about the differences between different fields of design
Recommendations
Simple Quizzes
With a simple quiz and/or self-assessment visitors can find and create a guide to future classes and interests.
Polls
Poll can provide visitors opinion and feedback on the website to keep designers updated on visitor’s concerns.
Video Gallery
A video gallery can inspire all visitors with current and alumni works of art.
Google Sites
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