Redesign of an e-commerce website to improve navigation, increase conversion rates, and enhance the overall shopping experience. The project aimed to create a more visually appealing and user-friendly platform to drive sales and customer satisfaction.
Columbia, SC
2024
Education
5
Challenge
The initial version of Up & Ahead lacked a streamlined approach for students to effectively manage their schedules and track academic progress. The platform’s existing UI system was not only cluttered but also restricted in terms of design flexibility due to developer constraints, limiting the extent of visual enhancements. Our challenge was to work within these limitations to create a clear and intuitive design that simplifies the process of managing assignments, tracking grades, and projecting final outcomes to help students stay organized and on top of their academic performance.
Results
Despite the constraints, the redesigned Up & Ahead platform saw a significant improvement in user engagement, with a 30% increase in active users and a 45% reduction in task completion time. The revamped user interface and new grade projection feature provided students with a clear, actionable overview of their academic standing, leading to a 40% increase in user satisfaction ratings. Feedback highlighted the platform’s ease of use and the added value of its new organizational tools, validating the impact of our user-centered design approach, even within a limited UI framework.
92%
Managed time better
0.39
Increase in GPA
53%
Increase in time spent on website
Process
Research & Analysis: We conducted user research, including interviews and surveys with students, to identify key pain points in managing college schedules and grades. In-app analytics were analyzed to understand usage patterns, and competitive analysis was performed to gather insights from similar platforms.
Information Architecture: Based on the research, we restructured the platform’s navigation and content layout, prioritizing key features like grade tracking, syllabus management, and grade projection to better align with user needs.
Wireframing & Prototyping: We created low-fidelity wireframes to explore different layouts and navigation flows. After iterative refinement based on feedback, we developed high-fidelity prototypes to test the overall user experience and ensure all key functionalities were effectively integrated.
Usability Testing: We conducted usability testing sessions with target users, focusing on how easily students could manage their schedules and track grades within the app. Feedback from these sessions was used to make necessary adjustments, ensuring a smoother and more intuitive experience.
Visual Design & Style Guide: We maintained consistency within the existing UI system while enhancing the visual appeal where possible. A style guide was developed to standardize colors, typography, and icons, ensuring cohesive visual design for current and future updates.
“ Julian’s UX design skills were crucial in enhancing Up & Ahead’s usability. Even within our UI constraints, he delivered a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. The positive user feedback speaks volumes about his impact.”
Thomas Lentine
CEO, Founder | Up&Ahead
Conclusion
Revamping the Up & Ahead platform proved essential in improving the overall student experience and boosting engagement. By streamlining workflows and enhancing the grade-tracking and schedule-management features, we created a more intuitive and effective tool that helps students stay organized and focused on their academic goals. This project underscores the critical impact of user-centered design in delivering solutions that meet both user needs and business objectives.