Student Grant’s Design
Tajudeen Woye
The product:
The Student Grant Application is a digital platform designed to streamline the process of applying for and distributing grants to eligible students. With a user-friendly interface and robust backend system, the application aims to simplify the often complex and time-consuming task of accessing financial aid for educational purposes.
Project overview
Project duration:
February 2023 to April 2023
Preview of selected polished designs.
The problem:
Many students face financial barriers to accessing higher education. A grant application provides a centralized platform for students to discover and apply for financial aid opportunities, thereby increasing access to education for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Project overview
The goal:
This aimed at improving access to education, enhancing efficiency, promoting transparency, and empowering students.
My role:
UX designer designing an app for Student Grant’s app from conception to the final output.
Project overview
Responsibilities:
Conducting interviews, paper and digital wireframing, low and high-fidelity prototyping, conducting usability studies, accounting for accessibility, and iterating on designs.
Understanding
the user
User research: summary
I conducted interviews and created empathy maps to understand the users I’m designing for and their needs. A primary user group identified through research
was students who are seeking for student grants.
Many students come from low-income households or face financial constraints that make it challenging to afford the costs of higher education without assistance.
User research: pain points
Time
Some student don’t have the ability to get fund on time to pay for their fee.
Accessibility
Student with disabilities may encounter difficulties meeting documentation requirements due to inaccessible formats or limitations in their assistive technology.
IA
Complex navigation structures with multiple levels of menus, submenus, and links make it difficult for users to navigate the application efficiently.
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Persona: Khaerat
Problem statement:
Khaerat is self reliance person that depends on what she get in which she doesn't have availability of financial resources to pay for her educational expenses on time.
User journey map
Image of user journey map
Mapping Khaerat’s user journey revealed how helpful it would be for
users to have access to student grant.
Starting
the design
Digital wireframes
As the initial design phase continued, I made sure to base screen designs on feedback and findings from the user research.
This button indicate either the application is open or close
Insert first wireframe example that demonstrates design thinking aligned with user research
This part indicate to track number of applications
Digital wireframes
Easy navigation was a key user need to address in the designs in addition to equipping the app to work with assistive technologies.
Easy navigation was a key user need to address in the designs in addition to equipping the app to work with assistive technologies.
Low-fidelity prototype
Using the completed set of digital wireframes, I created a low-fidelity prototype. The primary user flow I connected is to have easy access and navigation throughout the application process , so the prototype could be used in a usability study.
Usability study: findings
Round 1 findings
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Round 2 findings
Complex Navigation: Participants struggled to navigate through the app due to complex menu structures and unclear labeling of sections. Many users reported difficulty finding specific features or information.
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Technical Issues: Several participants experienced technical issues while using the app, such as slow loading times, crashes, and errors during form submission. These issues frustrated users and hindered their ability to complete tasks.
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Limited Feedback: Participants expressed frustration with the lack of feedback provided throughout the application process. They were unsure if their submissions were successful or if they had completed all required steps.
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Simplified Navigation: Following user feedback, the app's navigation was redesigned to be more intuitive and user-friendly. Clear labels and streamlined menu structures helped users find information and features more easily.
Guided Application Process: The grant application process was redesigned to provide step-by-step guidance to users. Clear instructions, progress indicators, and tooltips were added to assist users in completing each stage of the application.
Real-Time Feedback: The app now provides real-time feedback to users throughout the application process. Users receive notifications and confirmation messages after completing each step, reducing uncertainty and providing reassurance.
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Going forward
Takeaways
Impact:
The app has a transformative impact on the grant process, benefiting students, grant administrators, and the broader education community by increasing accessibility, efficiency, transparency, and equity in the distribution of financial assistance.
One quote from peer feedback:
“Using the grant app made the application process so much smoother and less stressful. I appreciated the clear guidance and real-time updates, which helped me feel more confident about my application..”
What I learned:
What I learned from using the grant app is the importance of user-centered design. The app's intuitive navigation and step-by-step guidance made the application process much more manageable and less intimidating. It showed me the power of technology in simplifying complex tasks and providing equal access to opportunities for all students.
Next steps
Conduct another round of usability studies to validate whether the pain points users experienced have been effectively addressed.
Conduct more user research to determine any new areas of need.
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Let’s connect!
Insert a few sentences summarizing the next steps you would take with this project and why. Feel free to organize next steps in a bullet point list.
Thank you for your time reviewing my work on the Student grant app! If you’d like to
see more or get in touch, my contact information is provided below.
Email: woyetajudeen@gmail.com
https://www.figma.com/file/EEBhxSVUI0tHomTAUJ2JXi/Student-Grants?type=design&node-id=786%3A395&mode=design&t=5NwvpOpGKou9M7sD-1