Design Reasearch and exploration
Understanding the user experience of prospective students was paramount. Our research involved several methods:
- User Interviews: We interviewed prospective students from various countries to understand their frustrations with the existing application process.
- Usability Testing: We conducted usability testing sessions with potential applicants, identifying areas of confusion and inefficiency in the application flow.
- Benchmarking: We analyzed online application processes of other top universities to identify best practices and potential features for improvement.
Problems and Challenges
The research identified key challenges impacting the user experience:
- Complex Application Flow: The application process involved multiple steps with unclear instructions, leading to frustration and potential application abandonment.
- Limited Document Management: The system lacked user-friendly functionalities for uploading required documents, leading to confusion and potential errors.
- Lack of Transparency: Applicants had limited access to application status updates and communication from the university, creating anxiety during the waiting period.
Ideation
Based on the research findings, we brainstormed solutions to optimize the application journey:
- Streamlined Application Flow: We redesigned the application flow to be more user-friendly, breaking down complex steps into smaller, manageable stages with clear progress indicators.
- Enhanced Document Management: We implemented a user-friendly document upload system, providing clear instructions, file format specifications, and progress tracking for uploads.
- Improved Communication: We integrated a communication portal within the application system, allowing applicants to receive automated status updates, track their application progress, and even access FAQs or contact support if needed.
solution
The solution involved a comprehensive redesign of the AUB online application's UX/UI:
- Simplified User Interface: A clean and intuitive UI design guides applicants through the application process with clear instructions and labels.
- Step-by-Step Progress Bar: A visual progress bar with clear labels keeps applicants informed about their progress throughout the application journey.
- Advanced Document Management System: The redesigned system allows for easy file upload, provides feedback on file format compliance, and visually confirms successful document submission.
Conclusion
The AUB online application redesign demonstrates the impact of UX/UI design on simplifying complex processes. By focusing on user needs and streamlining the application journey, we created a system that empowers prospective students to easily apply to AUB, ultimately contributing to a more positive and efficient experience for future generations of AUB applicants.
