University of Technology Sydney: student portal dashboard

UTS 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The UTS Student Portal home screen suffered from a range of outdated design features that are rending it a less than desirable experience than is expected by future students.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.

Future student view

Future student functionality

High level functionality

Future student functionality

Application types and statuses

Application stages

Viability of statuses

Visibility of functionality

Purpose of notification types

Notification types

Suitability of notification types

Suitability of notification types

The interface concept hi-fidelity prototype was presented in mobile and desktop view.