University of Technology Sydney: student portal dashboard

The UTS Student Portal home screen suffered from a range of outdated design features that are rending it a less than desirable experience than is expected by future students. There is also a requirement for additional functionality. I was asked to design a proof-of-concept to build a business case for updating the portal.

High level issues:

• The portal does not exhibit usability or style in line with UTS expectations and requirements.
• Prospective and current students are lodging multiple applications, causing an unnecessary administrative burden for the university.
• The RPL process is creating a massive administrative burden.

Moreover, the current portal:

• has not been user tested
• is not accessible
• is not responsive
• lacks basic usability principles
• has poor page headings
• is not scalable for growth.

A redesign of the portal was required that:

• is accessible and usable,
• aligns with the UTS style guide, website, etc.,
• provides visibility over:
  • course applications including quantity, current, previous, status, and progress.
  • RPL applications including quantity, current, previous, status, and progress.

Add to home screen:

• current applications
• previous applications
• status of applications
• progress of applications
• information showing rules of applications.

NOTE: Adding RPL to home screen will occur later.

Inbox:

• show messages
• indicate unread messages
• ability to sort by date and read / unread.

Information in banners on home page showing:

• critical information.
• dates
• application status.

Navigation:

• review navigation
• exploration of a card-based design in place of horizontal navigation will be entertained.