Miriam College Website



BACKGROUND
School website of Miriam College

The school website presents the programs of the school for the use of its primary target users -- prospective students and parents. Users should easily find the information they need and aid them in the decision to apply to the school.

DURATION
August 2016 - May 2017

ROLES
User Research, Web Design, Visual Design, UX Design, Content Management, Project Management

LINK
Miriam College Website



Challenge

Redevelop the website, its content and form, to better serve the information needs of its primary users -- prospective students and parents while highlighting the school's brand of education.



Project Timeline

October 2016 - May 2017


Understanding

We conducted a survey and held focused group discussions with primary users who are prospective students and parents.

We asked both survey respondents and FDG participants about the information they look for when searching for a college program

We asked both survey respondents and FDG participants to view the then current website and asked them their impression about the school based on the website

Showing the FGD participants a prototype of the redeveloped website, we asked them to comment on the content and what their impression of the school was.



Prototype

The survey was done first and its results were used as the basis for the prototype's content and form. A high-fidelity prototype was required for our FGD participants so that they can provide more accurate feedback.



Objectives:

Based on the feedback from survey respondents and the FGD participants, the following objectives were set:

The new website should:

  • highlight the school and its programs' core strengths

  • streamline the main menu by prioritizing information for primary users

  • have a simpler and uncluttered visual theme

  • have a balance between visuals and text

  • include a "vision" and "available opportunities for students" after graduation to help readers understand the programs

In terms of design and content, the new website should retain the following impressions:

  • focus on academics and extra-curricular activities

  • to have programs on spirituality, advocacy, and service

  • open and green campus that is conducive to learning



Text Content

Text content must be shorter, easily understood, and relevant to the target readers. Tone must be approachable yet professional.

Our team held a writing workshop for designated writers from the academic units.



Sample page & wireframe



Takeaways

The website is a key factor in a client's journey. It affects how the school is perceived by people and can potentially affect prospective students and parents' decision to apply and eventually continue to enroll. It must be kept relevant, updated with recent trends, and continue to reflect the school's brand of education.

Redeveloping the website is a community effort. While the core website team manages the design and development of the website, the teachers and academic unit heads play a crucial role in bringing out the strengths of the school's academic programs.