Universities and other educational institutions are increasingly turning to user experience (UX) design to improve students' engagement, boost recruitment, streamline processes and improve their brand. In this article, we will discuss how universities and other academic institutions can leverage UX design and a user-centric approach to create a platform that is both engaging and accessible for students, alumni, staff and society at large.
Attract more students
Well-designed websites can be tremendously effective at enhancing student recruitment. It serves as an introduction to the institution and its programs and can be used to provide prospective students with relevant information, such as admissions requirements, financial aid options, and campus life. The platform should be designed with students in mind and be easy to navigate, with clear labelling, and a user interface that is intuitive and responsive.
Additionally, the website should offer multimedia content such as photos and videos, which can help draw the interest of prospective students. By providing a positive online experience, a university website can help to attract new students and improve recruitment efforts.
Boost student engagement
Another key benefit of UX design is improved student interaction. A well-designed website can provide students with an efficient and convenient way to register for classes, pay tuition, and access academic resources. By providing comprehensive and easy-to-navigate webpages, students can quickly find and select their desired classes, view tuition payment options, and access course materials, study guides, and other helpful resources. Furthermore, with secure online payment services and systems, students can complete the registration process and pay their tuition and fees with ease.
Make sure everyone gets to participate
In addition to improving student engagement and recruitment, UX design should provide improved accessibility for students and stakeholders. By designing an intuitive and accessible platform, universities can make it easier for people with disabilities to access course materials and resources. A website that is optimized for screen readers and other assistive technologies makes it easier for folks with temporary or permanent physical impairments to access materials, join activities and find other relevant resources.
It is also essential for universities' websites to be mobile-friendly. This ensures a smooth user experience for the growing number of mobile users who rely on their phones for their online needs.
Manage with ease
In addition to students and other visitors, a well-designed website should also support the team responsible for maintaining the platform. A robust and user-friendly Content Management System (CMS) enables staff to quickly and efficiently update course materials, send out communications, manage student applications, and schedule events. As an example, universities can integrate the website with their Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform to create a single, comprehensive source of data on students and staff, which can help the university to more effectively manage its relationships with stakeholders, streamline its processes and increase efficiency, as well as providing a platform for marketing campaigns and promotions.
In conclusion, a website designed with a user-centric approach can benefit both students and universities.
Our team loves working with all different types of industries, but we're particularly drawn to academic institutions and the challenges they are faced with. If you'd like to learn more about our work in the education sector, check out our portfolio or reach out to us at hello@meetgoat.com
