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BACKGROUND
School website of Miriam College
The school website presents the programs of the school for the use of its primary target users -- prospective students and parents. Users should easily find the information they need and aid them in the decision to apply to the school.
DURATION
August 2016 - May 2017
ROLES
User Research, Web Design, Visual Design, UX Design, Content Management, Project Management
LINK
Miriam College Website
Challenge
Redevelop the website, its content and form, to better serve the information needs of its primary users -- prospective students and parents while highlighting the school's brand of education.
Project Timeline
October 2016 - May 2017
Understanding
We conducted a survey and held focused group discussions with primary users who are prospective students and parents.
We asked both survey respondents and FDG participants about the information they look for when searching for a college program
We asked both survey respondents and FDG participants to view the then current website and asked them their impression about the school based on the website
Showing the FGD participants a prototype of the redeveloped website, we asked them to comment on the content and what their impression of the school was.
Prototype
The survey was done first and its results were used as the basis for the prototype's content and form. A high-fidelity prototype was required for our FGD participants so that they can provide more accurate feedback.
Objectives:
Based on the feedback from survey respondents and the FGD participants, the following objectives were set:
The new website should:
highlight the school and its programs' core strengths
streamline the main menu by prioritizing information for primary users
have a simpler and uncluttered visual theme
have a balance between visuals and text
include a "vision" and "available opportunities for students" after graduation to help readers understand the programs
In terms of design and content, the new website should retain the following impressions:
focus on academics and extra-curricular activities
to have programs on spirituality, advocacy, and service
open and green campus that is conducive to learning
Text Content
Text content must be shorter, easily understood, and relevant to the target readers. Tone must be approachable yet professional.
Our team held a writing workshop for designated writers from the academic units.
Sample page & wireframe
Takeaways
The website is a key factor in a client's journey. It affects how the school is perceived by people and can potentially affect prospective students and parents' decision to apply and eventually continue to enroll. It must be kept relevant, updated with recent trends, and continue to reflect the school's brand of education.
Redeveloping the website is a community effort. While the core website team manages the design and development of the website, the teachers and academic unit heads play a crucial role in bringing out the strengths of the school's academic programs.
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