Project Summary

This assignment required the redesign of MyKU. MyKU is the website and online interface all Kutztown students use for all important information and tasks related to the university, most importantly class scheduling and financial information. As the website exists now it is large, confusing, and difficult; you can’t click back on your browser without information disappearing! MyKU also is not completely responsive and is not entirely functional on mobile. Below are the steps I took to make an easier to understand and more efficient MyKU.

Analysis

This process flow was created after navigating all parts of the MyKU website. The process flow includes searching for classes, registering, dropping classes, advisor, academics, my planner, finances, and personal information. Each step is assigned a numbered, the pain points are numbered according to their location in the process flow.

Research

For research, I studied sites that required you to check out. The checkout process mirrors registration, so it was important to study websites with a shopping cart and check out. I used these sites as reference and inspiration when creating my website. I felt it was imperative to create a smooth, easy to follow process for registration.

User Personas

I created five fictional personas that represent the variety of users (students) that use MyKU. Each persona is different, uses the site differently, and have varying goals. It is important to note that every persona does share one common goal, to search and register for classes.

Revised Plan

After all of my research, I created a new process flow. My new process flow focuses on creating clear actions from the homepage. By limited the use of dropdown menu options and breaking most actions into their own specific navigation button, the user can easily find their desired action.

Wireframes

After creating a new flow chart, I created wireframes. Creating the wireframes allowed me to create a simple layout for each page/step, during the various processes and actions performed on MyKU. Wireframes were first sketched and then created using UXPin. Wireframes were created for both desktop and mobile experiences.

Wireframe Sketches

UXPin Desktop Wireframes

UXPin Mobile Wireframes

Mockups

Using all my research and wireframes as the foundation, I finally created mockups for my redesigned version of MyKU. The mockups were created in Photoshop, and using Invision, I built a clickable version of the site.

Desktop Mockup Video

Invision MyKU Desktop Prototype

Mobile Mockup Video

Invision MyKU Mobile Prototype

User Testing

  1. View class schedule for this semester.

    2. No issues.

  2. You’re ready to escape school for the summer, you want to see when your finals are so you can be ready to hop in mom’s minivan ASAP. View your exam schedule.

    3. Found it on both the homepage and the specific Exam Schedule page. Also tested with success on mobile.

  3. You’ve decided you don't like typography, drop Advanced Type from current semester.

    4. No issues.

  4. You’ve realized that you need Advanced Type to graduate, register for Advanced Type for the Fall 2017 semester.

    5. User successfully searched for and found Advanced Type. Added to and went to planner instead of cart. Did not immediately know to click on the cart icon to add to cart.

  5. After your 2.0GPA from last semester, your parents demanded to have access to your MyKU account. Give them access. (Share information with your parents).

    6. No issues.

  6. You turned it around this semester and got a 4.0. You can hardly believe it and want to double check, find your grades and GPA.

    7. User initially went to account information. Eventually made way to Academic History and Grades.

  7. Your parents don’t believe you’re capable of achieving a 4.0, print out your unofficial transcript for proof.

    8. User initially went to grades before going back and finding Transcript button.

  8. You somehow managed to get over halfway through college by missing a “Foundation” art class. Check to see if you really need to take it in order to graduate, if so, register.

    9. User wasn't sure where to go at first. Found requirements and slowly made their way through the process.

  9. Your time to register has arrived, unfortunately you’re knuckle deep in a plate of waffle fries and not in front of a computer. Get on your phone and register for your already selected classes in less than two minutes. (Mobile only prompt).

    10. User initially went to burger menu before seeing the cart right next to it.

  10. You’re required to take a Wellness class at Kutztown. Find the class that fulfills that requirement. Add the class to your planner.

    11. User initially went to search for required classes. Eventually went to Requirements and found class.

In Conclusion

My prototypes were very thorough and allowed the user to navigate through most any page easily. Despite being overall content with the prototypes and the user testing, there are a few issues I'd like to address.

The users seemed to get mixed up by Academic History. More than one user went to Account Information for grades and other information. I would like to explore different language to use for grades, transcripts, etc. Perhaps it could all be placed under My Account? Further user testing and card sorting would help solve that problem.

Required class confusion. I feel this issue could be solved with a fully functional filter in the class search (which my prototype did not have). Also, I believe it's worth nothing that the list of required classes and how they're categorized by the university is, in itself, a confusing experience.

Missing the cart. More than one user missed the cart icon in mobile. Perhaps I get rid of it and just add "My Cart" to the dropdown nav.

Overall, I believe this was a successful redesign and offers a very simple, straightforward redesign to our very complicated MyKU.