Design@UBalt Hub
Project Overview
The Design@UBalt Prototype project was created to revamp the University of Baltimore’s design program website to more effectively showcase its vibrant array of design disciplines. Tasked with creating a more engaging and cohesive online presence, our team developed a prototype that brings the university’s creative offerings to life.
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Challenge: Enhance the engagement and usability of the Design@Ubalt website to better represent its dynamic design programs.
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Objective: Create a more inviting and interactive experience that reflects the vibrancy of the design programs and facilitates prospective students in finding suitable courses.
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Solution: Implemented an interactive quiz feature to transform user interaction from passive consumption to active engagement, ensuring the website not only informs but also inspires.
User Research
The user research phase was foundational in shaping the redesign of the Design@Ubalt website. We conducted a detailed competitive analysis and engaged in structured interviews with key stakeholders, including prospective and current students as well as faculty members. These efforts revealed a significant demand for more interactive and engaging features on the website, which were necessary to improve navigation and information discovery across diverse design programs. The insight gained led us to integrate an interactive quiz, designed to elevate user engagement and provide a personalized experience that aligns with the academic aspirations of our users.
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Methodology: Conducted competitive analysis and user interviews to gather insights on engagement strategies.
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Findings: Identified a lack of interactive elements that engage prospective students effectively.
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Outcome: Decision to implement an interactive quiz tailored to different student levels to boost interaction and information retention.
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The Current Website
The Design Process
The design process for the Design@Ubalt website was structured to ensure a user-centric outcome. We began with paper prototyping to rapidly sketch out initial concepts and test user flows, particularly the navigation paths that would lead to the interactive quiz feature. This early-stage modeling allowed for quick feedback and agile adjustments. Following this, we developed digital wireframes and interactive prototypes to refine the visual and user interaction elements. Each phase of the design process integrated continuous user feedback through iterative usability testing, ensuring the final design was not only visually engaging but also functionally tailored to meet the diverse needs of the user base effectively.
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Interactive Quiz Design: Designed to be enjoyable and informative, aligning with user interests and academic goals.
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Visual and Content Strategy: Integrated the University of Baltimore’s color palette and imagery to maintain brand consistency while enhancing visual appeal.
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Accessibility and Navigation: Ensured the site layout and navigation were intuitive, using UX best practices to improve user flow and content accessibility.
The Paper Prototypes created to analyze user flow.
Implementation and Testing
During the implementation phase, we translated our design concepts into a functional prototype using Figma, focusing on integrating the interactive quiz feature with seamless navigation. Rigorous testing was integral to this phase; we conducted multiple rounds of user testing to evaluate the usability and effectiveness of the prototype. This iterative process enabled us to identify and rectify usability issues, refine the user interface, and ensure the prototype met our high standards for user engagement and experience before final deployment.
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Prototype Development: Developed a high-fidelity prototype that includes the interactive quiz feature.
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User Testing: Conducted usability testing to refine the interface and ensure the quiz was engaging and effective.
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Feedback Integration: Iterated on the design based on user feedback to optimize functionality and user satisfaction.
Final Reflection
We recommend continuous evaluation and enhancement of the Design@Ubalt website to ensure it remains engaging and effective for users. Regularly updating the interactive quiz with current information and testing new features through A/B testing can further optimize user engagement. Additionally, incorporating user feedback into ongoing updates will help maintain the website's relevance and accessibility. Implementing these strategies will ensure that the website continues to meet the evolving needs of prospective students and effectively showcases the university's design programs.
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Learning Outcomes: Gained valuable insights into the importance of interactive elements in educational websites and the effectiveness of personalized user journeys.
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Future Recommendations: Suggest ongoing A/B testing to continue refining and improving the user experience.
Additional Information
Project Title:
Tools Used:
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Figma
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Illustrator
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Unsplash
Project Type:
Year:
Graduate School Project
2023