Overview
The HBCU HUB App is a groundbreaking platform that connects students with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States. As part of the project team, my role was to design and prototype a user-friendly website to promote the app and provide essential information to potential users.
Research & Analysis
Understanding the Target Audience
To create a compelling user experience, it was crucial to understand the target audience. We identified the primary user groups as high school students, parents, and educators seeking information about HBCUs. In-depth interviews, surveys, and competitor analysis helped us gain valuable insights.
User Needs and Pain Points
Need for Information: Users wanted comprehensive and easily accessible information about HBCUs, including admission criteria, programs, and scholarships.
Visual Appeal: The website needed to capture the essence of HBCU culture, history, and diversity through visuals and content.
Accessibility: Ensuring the website was accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, was a top priority.
Design & Development
Content Strategy
We crafted a content strategy that balanced information with storytelling. This approach aimed to not only provide facts about HBCUs but also evoke an emotional connection to these institutions. Content included student testimonials, HBCU history, and success stories.
Color Palette and Hierarchy
For the color palette, we stuck with brand centric coloring. These colors were carefully used to create a sense of community and communication like brands like Facebook, Twitter, etc.
In terms of hierarchy, we established a clear structure for the website. Key information such as admission requirements, programs, and scholarships took precedence in the navigation menu and homepage.
Testing
Accessibility Testing
To ensure inclusivity, we conducted rigorous accessibility testing using Zoom, following WCAG 2.0 guidelines. This involved checking color contrast, screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and alt text for images. We resolved issues promptly to meet the highest accessibility standards.
Usability Testing
Usability testing was conducted via Zoom, involving a diverse group of participants representing our target audience. We prepared a series of tasks to evaluate the website's ease of use, content comprehension, and overall satisfaction.
Key Findings
Positive User Experience: Participants praised the website's visually appealing design, highlighting the vibrant colors and engaging content.
Intuitive Navigation: The clear hierarchy and well-organized menu made it easy for users to find information quickly.
Content Engagement: Users appreciated the mix of factual information and personal stories, which made them feel more connected to HBCUs.
Accessibility: No significant accessibility issues were reported, indicating our successful adherence to accessibility guidelines.
Conclusion
The HBCU HUB App website project aimed to create an informative, visually appealing, and accessible platform for users seeking information about HBCUs. Through thorough research, strategic design choices, and rigorous testing, we achieved our goals:
User-Centered Design: We addressed user needs and pain points, resulting in a website that resonates with our target audience.
Engaging Content: The blend of factual information and storytelling has fostered a deeper connection between users and HBCUs.
Accessibility: The website meets high accessibility standards, ensuring an inclusive experience for all users.
The HBCU HUB App website is now a valuable resource for high school students, parents, and educators interested in HBCUs, contributing to the promotion and support of these institutions.
Future Considerations
As we move forward, we will continue to monitor user feedback and make improvements to enhance the user experience. Additionally, we plan to expand the website to include interactive features and an online community for HBCU enthusiasts.
This UX case study highlights your role in creating a user-friendly website for the HBCU HUB App and demonstrates how you successfully addressed user needs, accessibility, and usability while maintaining a visually engaging design.
Prototyping
Prototyping was done via Invision
Error Handling
We also addressed error handling through scrum meetings with developers and shareholder requests to make sure we addressed current issues that affect the ETF screener, which could bleed over into the Stock Screener.
