Academia Connect
Client needed a platform for course access and resources for students and help with branding
Client
Growthly IT
Role
Product Designer
Services
Branding, UX/UI, Prototyping, User Interviews, User Testing
Background
The client wanted to create an educational platform similar to DAAD but with more advanced features. The main idea was to allow students to not only find course information but also easily download resources and materials directly from the platform. This feature was designed to make it easier for students to access what they need and improve the way educational resources are shared.
Problem
The client’s existing website lacked key functionalities, such as the ability for students to access and download educational materials. This gap limited the efficiency of resource sharing and hindered collaboration between students, professors, and librarians. The absence of a centralized platform created barriers to effective communication and resource management, making the overall user experience cumbersome.
Goal
The goal was to design a user-friendly platform for Academia Connect that seamlessly integrates resource management, communication, and course exploration. The platform aimed to empower students with easy access to educational materials, enhance collaboration with professors, and streamline administrative processes for academic institutions.
Solution
Impact
How I Solve Problems
Approach
To ensure the platform met user needs, I conducted comprehensive research:
- Competitor Analysis: Studied DAAD’s strengths and identified gaps in its usability and resource features.
- User Interviews: Interviewed 12 students and professors to understand their workflows and pain points.
- Key Findings:
- Students struggled to find detailed course information.
- Downloading resources was often a complex and frustrating experience.
- A centralized dashboard could enhance productivity by consolidating academic tools.
Based on research findings, I created wireframes to visualize the platform’s structure:
- Resource Center: Designed as the core feature with categorized resources and filtering options (e.g., language, file type).
- Dashboard: A clean interface showing user statistics, key deliverables, and quick navigation options.
- Navigation: A side menu with consistent placement for easy exploration of the platform.
Wireframes were shared with stakeholders for feedback, resulting in iterative improvements.
Using Figma, I transformed the wireframes into high-fidelity prototypes:
- Design Choices:
- A minimalist color palette (greens and neutrals) to evoke professionalism and trust.
- Intuitive typography to ensure readability across all devices.
- Clear CTAs (e.g., “Download” buttons) to guide user actions.
- Accessibility:
- Included alt text for visuals and ensured WCAG-compliant color contrast.
I conducted usability tests with 5 students and 2 professors, focusing on:
- Navigating the resources.
- Accessing course details.
- Downloading resources efficiently.
