CampusDiscover — Campus info & social discovery App
CampusDiscover — Campus info & social discovery App
End-to-End UX Case Study
End-to-End UX Case Study
Turning a cluttered bulletin board into a campus-only platform with clear categories, search, and quick posting to create a clearer path to action.
Turning a cluttered bulletin board into a campus-only platform with clear categories, search, and quick posting to create a clearer path to action.
“I wish this were a real app.” — Prototype testing participant
“I wish this were a real app.” — Prototype testing participant
CampusDiscover — Campus info & social discovery App
End-to-End UX Case Study
Turning a cluttered bulletin board into a campus-only platform with clear categories, search, and quick posting to create a clearer path to action.
“I wish this were a real app.” — Prototype testing participant
Project Overview
Project Overview
Project Overview
Project type
Project type
Mobile
Mobile App
Mobile App
Project type
Timeline
Timeline
Timeline
2 months
2 months
2 months
Role
Role
Role
UX Designer, UX Researcher
UX Designer, UX Researcher
UX Designer, UX Researcher
Challenges
Challenges
Challenges
• Complete an end-to-end case study in 2 months while working on two projects concurrently.
• Complete an end-to-end case study in 2 months while working on two projects concurrently.
• Complete an end-to-end case study in 2 months while working on two projects concurrently.
• Recruit participants quickly and validate iterations under time constraints.
• Recruit participants quickly and validate iterations under time constraints.
• Recruit participants quickly and validate iterations under time constraints.
• Design for two goals: campus info discovery and social connection.
• Design for two goals: campus info discovery and social connection.
• Design for two goals: campus info discovery and social connection.
• Polish UI details without losing focus.
• Polish UI details without losing focus.
• Polish UI details without losing focus.
What I learned
What I learned
What I learned
• Manage time across two projects. Research for one by day, and wireframes to Mid and High-Fi work for the other at night.
• Manage time across two projects. Research for one by day, and wireframes to Mid and High-Fi work for the other at night.
• Manage time across two projects. Research for one by day, and wireframes to Mid and High-Fi work for the other at night.
• With limited time and a small sample, use multiple methods to quickly validate and keep the project moving.
• With limited time and a small sample, use multiple methods to quickly validate and keep the project moving.
• With limited time and a small sample, use multiple methods to quickly validate and keep the project moving.
• In a complex UI context, using different approaches to resolve visual hierarchy issues.
• In a complex UI context, using different approaches to resolve visual hierarchy issues.
• In a complex UI context, using different approaches to resolve visual hierarchy issues.
• Frequent self-reviews helped me catch issues early and refine the design.
• Frequent self-reviews helped me catch issues early and refine the design.
• Frequent self-reviews helped me catch issues early and refine the design.
Background
Background
Background
When I visited Carleton University, I kept walking past bulletin boards where new posters were pinned directly over old ones. Layers of overlapping posters turned the boards into visual noise, crammed with all kinds of messages.
When I visited Carleton University, I kept walking past bulletin boards where new posters were pinned directly over old ones. Layers of overlapping posters turned the boards into visual noise, crammed with all kinds of messages.
When I visited Carleton University, I kept walking past bulletin boards where new posters were pinned directly over old ones. Layers of overlapping posters turned the boards into visual noise, crammed with all kinds of messages.
Research Goals
Research Goals
Research Goals
To understand how campus bulletin boards are used as an information channel, how students notice or ignore them, where things break down in how students receive information, and how these issues can be turned into practical opportunities.
To understand how campus bulletin boards are used as an information channel, how students notice or ignore them, where things break down in how students receive information, and how these issues can be turned into practical opportunities.
To understand how campus bulletin boards are used as an information channel, how students notice or ignore them, where things break down in how students receive information, and how these issues can be turned into practical opportunities.
Research Methods Overview
Research Methods Overview
Research Methods Overview
Interviewed students to uncover pain points and understand their needs and motivations.
Interviewed students to uncover pain points and understand their needs and motivations.
Interviewed students to uncover pain points and understand their needs and motivations.
Observed real behavior to identify problems.
Observed real behavior to identify problems.
Observed real behavior to identify problems.
Secondary research to validate the problems and check for potential sampling bias.
Secondary research to validate the problems and check for potential sampling bias.
Secondary research to validate the problems and check for potential sampling bias.
Field Observations
Field Observations
Field Observations
Semi-
Structured Interviews
Semi-
Structured Interviews
Semi-
Structured Interviews
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
Field Observations
Field Observations
Field Observations
Cross-sectional Observations (Busy Times of Day)
Cross-sectional Observations (Busy Times of Day)
Cross-sectional Observations (Busy Times of Day)
Key Findings
Key Findings
Key Findings
Across three observation sessions (N = 1,033), 86% of students walked past the bulletin board without looking, 10.8% only glanced at it and then moved on, 2.4% stopped to read, and just 0.5% took a follow-up action such as taking a photo or saving contact details.
Across three observation sessions (N = 1,033), 86% of students walked past the bulletin board without looking, 10.8% only glanced at it and then moved on, 2.4% stopped to read, and just 0.5% took a follow-up action such as taking a photo or saving contact details.
Across three observation sessions (N = 1,033), 86% of students walked past the bulletin board without looking, 10.8% only glanced at it and then moved on, 2.4% stopped to read, and just 0.5% took a follow-up action such as taking a photo or saving contact details.
1000
1000
1000
800
800
800
600
600
600
400
400
400
200
200
200
0
0
0
891
891
891
112
112
112
25
25
25
5
5
5
Number of students
Number of students
Number of students
Walked past
Walked past
Walked past
Glanced
Glanced
Glanced
Stopped
Stopped
Stopped
Took follow-up action
Took follow-up action
Took follow-up action
Key Insights
Key Insights
Key Insights
These numbers show that while the bulletin board reaches many students, it drives almost no action. Overlapping, unorganized posters create high cognitive load, so students default to ignoring the board, and it fades into the background instead of serving as a reliable source of information.
These numbers show that while the bulletin board reaches many students, it drives almost no action. Overlapping, unorganized posters create high cognitive load, so students default to ignoring the board, and it fades into the background instead of serving as a reliable source of information.
These numbers show that while the bulletin board reaches many students, it drives almost no action. Overlapping, unorganized posters create high cognitive load, so students default to ignoring the board, and it fades into the background instead of serving as a reliable source of information.
Short-term Longitudinal Observations (1–3 Weeks)
Short-term Longitudinal Observations (1–3 Weeks)
Short-term Longitudinal Observations (1–3 Weeks)
Key Findings
Key Findings
Key Findings
Over three weeks, old posters remained on the board while new ones were layered over them, competing for limited space, and by the third week, posters had also begun to appear on the nearby glass entrance doors.
Over three weeks, old posters remained on the board while new ones were layered over them, competing for limited space, and by the third week, posters had also begun to appear on the nearby glass entrance doors.
Over three weeks, old posters remained on the board while new ones were layered over them, competing for limited space, and by the third week, posters had also begun to appear on the nearby glass entrance doors.
Key Insights
Key Insights
Key Insights
The bulletin board is no longer a reliable way for students to discover information. Older posters are quickly covered by newer ones, so any given message has only a short and unpredictable window of visibility, especially for time-sensitive needs such as housing or events.
The bulletin board is no longer a reliable way for students to discover information. Older posters are quickly covered by newer ones, so any given message has only a short and unpredictable window of visibility, especially for time-sensitive needs such as housing or events.
The bulletin board is no longer a reliable way for students to discover information. Older posters are quickly covered by newer ones, so any given message has only a short and unpredictable window of visibility, especially for time-sensitive needs such as housing or events.
Posters overflowing, even onto entrance doors, show a strong ongoing need to share information. However, without a clear, categorized way to browse, the bulletin board breaks down as an information channel, revealing an opportunity for a more organized, scalable platform.
Posters overflowing, even onto entrance doors, show a strong ongoing need to share information. However, without a clear, categorized way to browse, the bulletin board breaks down as an information channel, revealing an opportunity for a more organized, scalable platform.
Posters overflowing, even onto entrance doors, show a strong ongoing need to share information. However, without a clear, categorized way to browse, the bulletin board breaks down as an information channel, revealing an opportunity for a more organized, scalable platform.
Week 1
Week 1
Week 1
Week 2
Week 2
Week 2
Week 3
Week 3
Week 3
Overflow onto entrance doors
(Week 3, nearby location)
Overflow onto entrance doors
(Week 3, nearby location)
Overflow onto entrance doors
(Week 3, nearby location)
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
The campus bulletin board looks full of information, but most students walk past without really browsing it, and new posts are quickly covered with almost no visibility or impact.
The campus bulletin board looks full of information, but most students walk past without really browsing it, and new posts are quickly covered with almost no visibility or impact.
The campus bulletin board looks full of information, but most students walk past without really browsing it, and new posts are quickly covered with almost no visibility or impact.
Semi-Structured Interviews
Semi-Structured Interviews
Semi-Structured Interviews
To better understand these observations, I conducted semi-structured interviews with students (n = 5) who were either putting up posters or walking past the board and agreed to participate.
To better understand these observations, I conducted semi-structured interviews with students (n = 5) who were either putting up posters or walking past the board and agreed to participate.
To better understand these observations, I conducted semi-structured interviews with students (n = 5) who were either putting up posters or walking past the board and agreed to participate.
The interviews explored how they notice and use the bulletin board, how they find and share campus information, and what response they expect versus actually receive after posting.
The interviews explored how they notice and use the bulletin board, how they find and share campus information, and what response they expect versus actually receive after posting.
The interviews explored how they notice and use the bulletin board, how they find and share campus information, and what response they expect versus actually receive after posting.
Key Findings
Key Findings
Key Findings
Students only give the bulletin board a quick glance, and overlapping posters on many unrelated topics make it hard to spot information that feels relevant.
Students only give the bulletin board a quick glance, and overlapping posters on many unrelated topics make it hard to spot information that feels relevant.
Students only give the bulletin board a quick glance, and overlapping posters on many unrelated topics make it hard to spot information that feels relevant.
When students put up posters for events or clubs, their real goal is to meet new people and see if they can find someone they genuinely click with.
When students put up posters for events or clubs, their real goal is to meet new people and see if they can find someone they genuinely click with.
When students put up posters for events or clubs, their real goal is to meet new people and see if they can find someone they genuinely click with.
Students want to post what they need, but the process of designing, printing, and putting up posters feels complicated, so many give up.
Students want to post what they need, but the process of designing, printing, and putting up posters feels complicated, so many give up.
Students want to post what they need, but the process of designing, printing, and putting up posters feels complicated, so many give up.
Students felt uneasy using open platforms like Facebook Marketplace and preferred dealing with students at their own school for housing and second-hand needs.
Students felt uneasy using open platforms like Facebook Marketplace and preferred dealing with students at their own school for housing and second-hand needs.
Students felt uneasy using open platforms like Facebook Marketplace and preferred dealing with students at their own school for housing and second-hand needs.
Students who posted housing, second-hand items, or events received few or no responses from posters, and now rely more on Instagram and Discord instead of physical bulletin boards.
Students who posted housing, second-hand items, or events received few or no responses from posters, and now rely more on Instagram and Discord instead of physical bulletin boards.
Students who posted housing, second-hand items, or events received few or no responses from posters, and now rely more on Instagram and Discord instead of physical bulletin boards.
Key Insights
Key Insights
Key Insights
Students need a clear, categorized way to scan campus information at a glance rather than a crowded, uncategorized bulletin board that quickly turns into background noise.
Students need a clear, categorized way to scan campus information at a glance rather than a crowded, uncategorized bulletin board that quickly turns into background noise.
Students need a clear, categorized way to scan campus information at a glance rather than a crowded, uncategorized bulletin board that quickly turns into background noise.
High effort and low payoff mean that students who want to promote events often give up, showing a need for a simpler way to reach classmates.
High effort and low payoff mean that students who want to promote events often give up, showing a need for a simpler way to reach classmates.
High effort and low payoff mean that students who want to promote events often give up, showing a need for a simpler way to reach classmates.
Students don’t trust open platforms for housing and second-hand items, so they turn to the campus bulletin board instead, revealing a need for a safer, campus-only way to connect and trade.
Students don’t trust open platforms for housing and second-hand items, so they turn to the campus bulletin board instead, revealing a need for a safer, campus-only way to connect and trade.
Students don’t trust open platforms for housing and second-hand items, so they turn to the campus bulletin board instead, revealing a need for a safer, campus-only way to connect and trade.
Many students now look for campus information on social platforms instead of relying on the bulletin board, suggesting an opportunity for a campus-only, mobile-first platform with clear categories.
Many students now look for campus information on social platforms instead of relying on the bulletin board, suggesting an opportunity for a campus-only, mobile-first platform with clear categories.
Many students now look for campus information on social platforms instead of relying on the bulletin board, suggesting an opportunity for a campus-only, mobile-first platform with clear categories.
Reflection
Reflection
Reflection
Observation as a method is subjective and can lead to researcher bias, and the interviews were limited by a small sample and sampling bias. To reduce these limitations, I then conducted secondary research to triangulate the findings.
Observation as a method is subjective and can lead to researcher bias, and the interviews were limited by a small sample and sampling bias. To reduce these limitations, I then conducted secondary research to triangulate the findings.
Observation as a method is subjective and can lead to researcher bias, and the interviews were limited by a small sample and sampling bias. To reduce these limitations, I then conducted secondary research to triangulate the findings.
How Might We
How Might We
How Might We
How might we make campus information easy to scan at a glance so that important posts don’t get lost in visual noise?
How might we make campus information easy to scan at a glance so that important posts don’t get lost in visual noise?
How might we make campus information easy to scan at a glance so that important posts don’t get lost in visual noise?
How might we reduce the effort of sharing campus information while increasing the chances that students actually see and respond to it?
How might we reduce the effort of sharing campus information while increasing the chances that students actually see and respond to it?
How might we reduce the effort of sharing campus information while increasing the chances that students actually see and respond to it?
How might we provide a safer way for students to find housing and second-hand items with people they trust?
How might we provide a safer way for students to find housing and second-hand items with people they trust?
How might we provide a safer way for students to find housing and second-hand items with people they trust?
How might we help students meet people they genuinely click with?
How might we help students meet people they genuinely click with?
How might we help students meet people they genuinely click with?
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
To verify whether there was any potential researcher or sampling bias in my initial findings and insights, I conducted secondary research by reviewing campus reports, studies, and online discussions from North American universities and colleges.
To verify whether there was any potential researcher or sampling bias in my initial findings and insights, I conducted secondary research by reviewing campus reports, studies, and online discussions from North American universities and colleges.
To verify whether there was any potential researcher or sampling bias in my initial findings and insights, I conducted secondary research by reviewing campus reports, studies, and online discussions from North American universities and colleges.
Forums
Forums
Forums
In online discussions, students say they often avoid scanning QR codes on posters because of security concerns and instead prefer Instagram and other social apps, and some students even ask how to stop others from tearing down their posters.
In online discussions, students say they often avoid scanning QR codes on posters because of security concerns and instead prefer Instagram and other social apps, and some students even ask how to stop others from tearing down their posters.
In online discussions, students say they often avoid scanning QR codes on posters because of security concerns and instead prefer Instagram and other social apps, and some students even ask how to stop others from tearing down their posters.
Articles
Articles
Articles
Highlight issues such as information overload, outdated content, design and printing costs, and the manual work of taking posters down.
Highlight issues such as information overload, outdated content, design and printing costs, and the manual work of taking posters down.
Highlight issues such as information overload, outdated content, design and printing costs, and the manual work of taking posters down.
Sierra College (Report)
Sierra College (Report)
Sierra College (Report)
Bulletin boards are rated as one of the least effective ways to communicate on campus.
Bulletin boards are rated as one of the least effective ways to communicate on campus.
Bulletin boards are rated as one of the least effective ways to communicate on campus.
Western Washington University (Survey)
Western Washington University (Survey)
Western Washington University (Survey)
52.9% of students report that they rarely or never read posters.
52.9% of students report that they rarely or never read posters.
52.9% of students report that they rarely or never read posters.
Stanford University (Interviews)
Stanford University (Interviews)
Stanford University (Interviews)
Posters are seen as “just paper waste,” while social media is viewed as a more effective way to share information.
Posters are seen as “just paper waste,” while social media is viewed as a more effective way to share information.
Posters are seen as “just paper waste,” while social media is viewed as a more effective way to share information.
Thompson Rivers University (Focus Group)
Thompson Rivers University (Focus Group)
Thompson Rivers University (Focus Group)
Bulletin boards are called “intimidating clutter” with “thousands” of posters; students say they pay more attention to Instagram.
Bulletin boards are called “intimidating clutter” with “thousands” of posters; students say they pay more attention to Instagram.
Bulletin boards are called “intimidating clutter” with “thousands” of posters; students say they pay more attention to Instagram.
Triangulating the Findings
Triangulating the Findings
Triangulating the Findings
Triangulated findings point to an opportunity for a campus-only, mobile-first platform with clear categories and safer connections than either open platforms or crowded bulletin boards.
Triangulated findings point to an opportunity for a campus-only, mobile-first platform with clear categories and safer connections than either open platforms or crowded bulletin boards.
Triangulated findings point to an opportunity for a campus-only, mobile-first platform with clear categories and safer connections than either open platforms or crowded bulletin boards.
Bulletin boards have high visibility but almost no action.
Bulletin boards have high visibility but almost no action.
Bulletin boards have high visibility but almost no action.
Posting a poster takes high effort but gets low response.
Posting a poster takes high effort but gets low response.
Posting a poster takes high effort but gets low response.
Students need simpler ways to meet new people on campus and make friends.
Students need simpler ways to meet new people on campus and make friends.
Students need simpler ways to meet new people on campus and make friends.
Students are shifting from bulletin boards to social platforms to find campus information.
Students are shifting from bulletin boards to social platforms to find campus information.
Students are shifting from bulletin boards to social platforms to find campus information.
Students need a trusted, campus-only way to find housing and trade second-hand items.
Students need a trusted, campus-only way to find housing and trade second-hand items.
Students need a trusted, campus-only way to find housing and trade second-hand items.
Field Observations
Field Observations
Field Observations
Interviews
Interviews
Interviews
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
Design Decisions
Design Decisions
Design Decisions
Campus-Only
Campus-Only
Campus-Only
Students sign in with their school email, so all listings stay inside a trusted same-school community instead of open, anonymous platforms.
Students sign in with their school email, so all listings stay inside a trusted same-school community instead of open, anonymous platforms.
Students sign in with their school email, so all listings stay inside a trusted same-school community instead of open, anonymous platforms.
Low-Effort Posting
Low-Effort Posting
Low-Effort Posting
Reduce the effort of creating a post to just a few guided steps on mobile, replacing the complex “design–print–pin” workflow of paper posters.
Reduce the effort of creating a post to just a few guided steps on mobile, replacing the complex “design–print–pin” workflow of paper posters.
Reduce the effort of creating a post to just a few guided steps on mobile, replacing the complex “design–print–pin” workflow of paper posters.
Clear, Categorized Campus Board
Clear, Categorized Campus Board
Clear, Categorized Campus Board
Uses clear categories (e.g., Events, Housing, Clubs) with filters and search, so students can quickly scan what’s relevant instead of a messy wall of posters.
Uses clear categories (e.g., Events, Housing, Clubs) with filters and search, so students can quickly scan what’s relevant instead of a messy wall of posters.
Uses clear categories (e.g., Events, Housing, Clubs) with filters and search, so students can quickly scan what’s relevant instead of a messy wall of posters.
Open Discussion Space
Open Discussion Space
Open Discussion Space
Provides a casual space where students can post thoughts, questions, or rants and reply to each other, creating low-pressure ways to start conversations and meet new people on campus.
Provides a casual space where students can post thoughts, questions, or rants and reply to each other, creating low-pressure ways to start conversations and meet new people on campus.
Provides a casual space where students can post thoughts, questions, or rants and reply to each other, creating low-pressure ways to start conversations and meet new people on campus.
Sitemap
Sitemap
Sitemap
Key User Flow
Key User Flow
Key User Flow
Concept Evaluation & Design Direction
Concept Evaluation & Design Direction
Concept Evaluation & Design Direction
Based on interviews, many students said their main motivation is campus socializing, they want to meet new friends. To support this, I proposed an Open Discussion Space that offers low-pressure ways to start conversations. In the early concept stage, I explored two homepage directions
Based on interviews, many students said their main motivation is campus socializing, they want to meet new friends. To support this, I proposed an Open Discussion Space that offers low-pressure ways to start conversations. In the early concept stage, I explored two homepage directions
Based on interviews, many students said their main motivation is campus socializing, they want to meet new friends. To support this, I proposed an Open Discussion Space that offers low-pressure ways to start conversations. In the early concept stage, I explored two homepage directions
Discover 1. Home page as a sticky-note wall where students post short messages
Discover 1. Home page as a sticky-note wall where students post short messages
Discover 1. Home page as a sticky-note wall where students post short messages
Discover 2. Home page as a campus map where students share thoughts as message bubbles pinned to locations.
Discover 2. Home page as a campus map where students share thoughts as message bubbles pinned to locations.
Discover 2. Home page as a campus map where students share thoughts as message bubbles pinned to locations.
After comparing both concepts, I chose a campus map for the Open Discussion page. The map matches students’ mental model of “Where am I?” and “Where is this happening?” It also fits the campus context, using the campus space as the main screen feels more situational and better aligned with the product than a single “wall” concept.
After comparing both concepts, I chose a campus map for the Open Discussion page. The map matches students’ mental model of “Where am I?” and “Where is this happening?” It also fits the campus context, using the campus space as the main screen feels more situational and better aligned with the product than a single “wall” concept.
After comparing both concepts, I chose a campus map for the Open Discussion page. The map matches students’ mental model of “Where am I?” and “Where is this happening?” It also fits the campus context, using the campus space as the main screen feels more situational and better aligned with the product than a single “wall” concept.
Mid-Fi Prototype Testing
Mid-Fi Prototype Testing
Mid-Fi Prototype Testing
After finalizing the wireframe direction, I built mid-fidelity screens from the user flow and tested them (n=8). Users could post and reply smoothly in minimal steps, and their clicks matched the intended behavior.
After finalizing the wireframe direction, I built mid-fidelity screens from the user flow and tested them (n=8). Users could post and reply smoothly in minimal steps, and their clicks matched the intended behavior.
After finalizing the wireframe direction, I built mid-fidelity screens from the user flow and tested them (n=8). Users could post and reply smoothly in minimal steps, and their clicks matched the intended behavior.
Hi-Fi Design Iteration
Hi-Fi Design Iteration
Hi-Fi Design Iteration
Map Style & Post Visibility
Map Style & Post Visibility
Map Style & Post Visibility
V1
V1
V1
I started with a satellite map to make the campus feel real and recognizable. However, the heavy photo texture created too much visual noise, making the UI feel muddy and dated while distracting from the content.
I started with a satellite map to make the campus feel real and recognizable. However, the heavy photo texture created too much visual noise, making the UI feel muddy and dated while distracting from the content.
I started with a satellite map to make the campus feel real and recognizable. However, the heavy photo texture created too much visual noise, making the UI feel muddy and dated while distracting from the content.
V2
V2
V2
I switched to a vector map to achieve a cleaner, more modern look, which removed the “dirty” feel. However, the post bubbles visually blended into the map, placing content and background at the same level and weakening the visual hierarchy.
I switched to a vector map to achieve a cleaner, more modern look, which removed the “dirty” feel. However, the post bubbles visually blended into the map, placing content and background at the same level and weakening the visual hierarchy.
I switched to a vector map to achieve a cleaner, more modern look, which removed the “dirty” feel. However, the post bubbles visually blended into the map, placing content and background at the same level and weakening the visual hierarchy.
Final Design
Final Design
Final Design
After several iterations, I found that changing the bubble colors improved clarity, but darker bubbles still looked muddy against the light map.
After several iterations, I found that changing the bubble colors improved clarity, but darker bubbles still looked muddy against the light map.
After several iterations, I found that changing the bubble colors improved clarity, but darker bubbles still looked muddy against the light map.
In the end, I added the stroke and shadow to the post bubbles to create clearer separation and restore visual hierarchy.
In the end, I added the stroke and shadow to the post bubbles to create clearer separation and restore visual hierarchy.
In the end, I added the stroke and shadow to the post bubbles to create clearer separation and restore visual hierarchy.
Now, message bubbles are the primary visual layer, while the map sits in the background as a secondary layer that provides location context without distracting from the content.
Now, message bubbles are the primary visual layer, while the map sits in the background as a secondary layer that provides location context without distracting from the content.
Now, message bubbles are the primary visual layer, while the map sits in the background as a secondary layer that provides location context without distracting from the content.
Card Redesign
Card Redesign
Card Redesign
Before
Before
Before
After
After
After
After the first version of the Clubs and Events feed, I reviewed it and reflected on what students actually focus on when browsing.
After the first version of the Clubs and Events feed, I reviewed it and reflected on what students actually focus on when browsing.
After the first version of the Clubs and Events feed, I reviewed it and reflected on what students actually focus on when browsing.
I realized students don’t care who posted an event, they care whether it looks interesting and relevant. This aligned with my interview findings, posters often grab attention with an eye-catching image, so when scanning, people look at the image first and the text second.
I realized students don’t care who posted an event, they care whether it looks interesting and relevant. This aligned with my interview findings, posters often grab attention with an eye-catching image, so when scanning, people look at the image first and the text second.
I realized students don’t care who posted an event, they care whether it looks interesting and relevant. This aligned with my interview findings, posters often grab attention with an eye-catching image, so when scanning, people look at the image first and the text second.
Based on user scan behavior, I refined the card design by removing the poster’s avatar and name to reduce distraction, and by prioritizing the image and key text with a clearer visual hierarchy.
Based on user scan behavior, I refined the card design by removing the poster’s avatar and name to reduce distraction, and by prioritizing the image and key text with a clearer visual hierarchy.
Based on user scan behavior, I refined the card design by removing the poster’s avatar and name to reduce distraction, and by prioritizing the image and key text with a clearer visual hierarchy.
Navigation Hierarchy Refinement
Navigation Hierarchy Refinement
Navigation Hierarchy Refinement
After iterating on the Campus Board page, I noticed I had enlarged the selected tab in the top navigation. I realized the nav’s job is simply to indicate the current section, not compete for users’ attention with the board content. To strengthen visual hierarchy, I reverted the selected tab to the same size while keeping its state clear, so attention stays on the posts below.
After iterating on the Campus Board page, I noticed I had enlarged the selected tab in the top navigation. I realized the nav’s job is simply to indicate the current section, not compete for users’ attention with the board content. To strengthen visual hierarchy, I reverted the selected tab to the same size while keeping its state clear, so attention stays on the posts below.
After iterating on the Campus Board page, I noticed I had enlarged the selected tab in the top navigation. I realized the nav’s job is simply to indicate the current section, not compete for users’ attention with the board content. To strengthen visual hierarchy, I reverted the selected tab to the same size while keeping its state clear, so attention stays on the posts below.
After reflecting on my navigation design, I realized Profile is likely a lower-frequency destination than core actions like Discover, Board, Messages, and posting. To keep users focused on browsing, campus exploration, and social interaction, I reduced map occlusion and moved Profile into a left-side drawer while keeping it easy to access when needed.
After reflecting on my navigation design, I realized Profile is likely a lower-frequency destination than core actions like Discover, Board, Messages, and posting. To keep users focused on browsing, campus exploration, and social interaction, I reduced map occlusion and moved Profile into a left-side drawer while keeping it easy to access when needed.
After reflecting on my navigation design, I realized Profile is likely a lower-frequency destination than core actions like Discover, Board, Messages, and posting. To keep users focused on browsing, campus exploration, and social interaction, I reduced map occlusion and moved Profile into a left-side drawer while keeping it easy to access when needed.
(This was an early personal assumption about whether placing Profile in the drawer keeps users engaged in campus exploration and social browsing, or drives more Profile visits. The next step is to validate this with usage data and iterate based on real behavior.)
(This was an early personal assumption about whether placing Profile in the drawer keeps users engaged in campus exploration and social browsing, or drives more Profile visits. The next step is to validate this with usage data and iterate based on real behavior.)
(This was an early personal assumption about whether placing Profile in the drawer keeps users engaged in campus exploration and social browsing, or drives more Profile visits. The next step is to validate this with usage data and iterate based on real behavior.)
High-Fidelity Design
High-Fidelity Design
High-Fidelity Design
Based on interviews, many students share event posters to connect with people,not just promote a one-time activity. The key insight is that they want a low-pressure way to meet new friends and quickly see who they click with.
Based on interviews, many students share event posters to connect with people,not just promote a one-time activity. The key insight is that they want a low-pressure way to meet new friends and quickly see who they click with.
Based on interviews, many students share event posters to connect with people,not just promote a one-time activity. The key insight is that they want a low-pressure way to meet new friends and quickly see who they click with.
As a result, I decide designed the Home feed as a casual space for short posts and replies, creating easy conversation starters that help students connect and meet new people on campus.
As a result, I decide designed the Home feed as a casual space for short posts and replies, creating easy conversation starters that help students connect and meet new people on campus.
As a result, I decide designed the Home feed as a casual space for short posts and replies, creating easy conversation starters that help students connect and meet new people on campus.
The bulletin board was cluttered, lacked clear categories, and made information hard to find. I turned Campus Board into a clean, structured feed with filtering, search, and low-effort posting (no design or printing), so students can quickly scan and discover what they care about, even when they’re off campus.
The bulletin board was cluttered, lacked clear categories, and made information hard to find. I turned Campus Board into a clean, structured feed with filtering, search, and low-effort posting (no design or printing), so students can quickly scan and discover what they care about, even when they’re off campus.
The bulletin board was cluttered, lacked clear categories, and made information hard to find. I turned Campus Board into a clean, structured feed with filtering, search, and low-effort posting (no design or printing), so students can quickly scan and discover what they care about, even when they’re off campus.
Final High-Fi Screens
Final High-Fi Screens
Final High-Fi Screens
Final Prototype
Final Prototype
Final Prototype
If I have more time...
If I have more time...
If I have more time...
Run a quick early survey to more directly validate the key problems and hypotheses.
Run a quick early survey to more directly validate the key problems and hypotheses.
Run a quick early survey to more directly validate the key problems and hypotheses.
Design content lifecycle features (post expiration and spam-reporting tools) to keep posts fresh and prevent the platform from becoming cluttered over time.
Design content lifecycle features (post expiration and spam-reporting tools) to keep posts fresh and prevent the platform from becoming cluttered over time.
Design content lifecycle features (post expiration and spam-reporting tools) to keep posts fresh and prevent the platform from becoming cluttered over time.
Strengthen trust and safety for housing and the marketplace by designing reporting and blocking flows, making the campus community safer and more trustworthy.
Strengthen trust and safety for housing and the marketplace by designing reporting and blocking flows, making the campus community safer and more trustworthy.
Strengthen trust and safety for housing and the marketplace by designing reporting and blocking flows, making the campus community safer and more trustworthy.