UO’s Master’s in Psychology Program
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Information Architecture
- Web Design
- User Experience Design
- User Interface Design
Tools
- Adobe XD
- Powerpoint
GOALS
• Design a single-page webpage design that is scalable for budding online degree programs at the University of Oregon.
• Support static content- such as admissions and careers- while having flexible spaces for additional content that can act as a recruiting tool.
• Have program details in a quick-digest format and make the ability to request information about programs easy for prospective students.
My Role
As the UX/UI Designer, I was designated with performing a competitive analysis against similar programs at other institutions. I used that information to propose a content type design that could work for current and future online programs. I provided research on accordion and carousel accessibility, led the request information form design, and supported the developers start to finish for implementing the design I had created.
comparative analysis
I started with data analysis, reviewing findings from marketing research campaigns, and building out a comparative analysis with other universities of similar sizes or that had robust online degree programs. Based on the marketing data, we knew that working professionals tended to be prospective students— usually handling multiple jobs, or a job and a family, while balancing career changes or moving up in their field.
In comparing seven universities, the following was found:
- The majority of websites used single-page designs with a sidebar for apply/request buttons or for navigating submenus. Apply/request buttons were repeated in multiple locations.
- All programs had a breakdown of curriculum, time to completion, benefits, and costs.
- 70% of webpages linked to the program or graduate departmentresources instead of linking directly to online education resources.
- There were large variances in how universities placed their request information forms and curriculum breakdowns.
- Some unversities included related content, such as listing imilar degree programs, the degree program in press or articles, student and faculty testimonials, and associated links such as demos, resources, or virtual tours.
Web Design
For the web design, we aimed for a singlepage design that would ensure the facts students care about the most- such as cost and time to completion- were front and center.
I provided research on accordions best practices to help ease accessibility concerns, as the single-page design meant that using accordions to help with the use of space and hiding information students are looking for until they’re ready.
We also included a “request information” form directly within the page, as opposed to linking out to a separate form, to limit the amount of clicks prospective students would need in order to get information about a program.
Multiple designs were generated for the header “quick facts” section and the testimonials at the bottom of the page.
NEXT STEPS
The launch of the program was a success, garnering multiple applications for its first application submission season. As the University of Oregon builds out their online degree program, they will use MS Psychology as a template for future programs. A landing page on the Online website will be built that allows prospective e-students to review program options wholistically.
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