Hello Uni
Helping students transition to the UK safely
UI/UX Design, Application Design & Development
Role: Designer & Developer
Context: University Onboarding Application
Duration: Jan 2020 - Jun 2020
My individual contribution
I joined ICANFutureStar as a Graphic Designer to assist on their HelloUni project. I worked along side the marketing and development departments to help re-develop the company branding and website. The project was for an app that would enable international students to gain information on British Universities in the UK before making the move to the UK. I was initially asked to design 2 logos for the main company ICAN Futurestar and HelloUni.I creating event materials including business cards, brochures, beermats and a large banner.Then I began the process of a website re-design, in which I mocked up new page and navigation layouts which were implemented on WordPress. I created visuals which tied in with the company brand and structured a new simplified navigation for the website.
Research
Interactive Design
Visual Design
Development
CLIENT DETAILS
Understanding the company.
HelloUni is an application to help foreign students onboard to UK universities including Glasgow university and university of Edinburgh. The application allows potential students to research the uni build connections in the UK before transferring.
Hellouni provides access to sign-ups and reduces the cost of talent acquisition for the uni. HelloUni allows students to select their preferred University and connect directly with the University Alumni to receive first hand guidance.
Hellouni provides access to sign-ups and reduces the cost of talent acquisition for the uni. HelloUni allows students to select their preferred University and connect directly with the University Alumni to receive first hand guidance.
10 +
Universities
85 +
Courses
4
Software engineers
1
App
01 /
CHAPTER
RESEARCH
KEY ASSUMPTIONS
Target audience.
The application focusses on users who want o pursue higher education in the United Kingdom, with a specific focus on universities such as Glasgow University and the University of Edinburgh. This application is tailored to individuals in the early stages of their university exploration, providing a comprehensive platform for research and connection-building before the actual transfer process. Prospective students who are keen on gaining insights into the university environment, culture, and academic offerings find HelloUni particularly valuable.
Furthermore, HelloUni targets university administrators and recruitment teams looking to optimize their talent acquisition strategies. By streamlining the sign-up process and reducing the associated costs, the application serves as a valuable tool for universities seeking to attract a diverse pool of international students. The platform also caters to students who have already selected their preferred university by facilitating direct connections with university alumni. This feature is designed to provide firsthand guidance, creating a supportive community and fostering a seamless transition for international students into the UK university landscape.
Overall, HelloUni’s audience encompasses both prospective students seeking information and universities aiming to enhance their recruitment efforts and foster meaningful connections within their global student community.
Furthermore, HelloUni targets university administrators and recruitment teams looking to optimize their talent acquisition strategies. By streamlining the sign-up process and reducing the associated costs, the application serves as a valuable tool for universities seeking to attract a diverse pool of international students. The platform also caters to students who have already selected their preferred university by facilitating direct connections with university alumni. This feature is designed to provide firsthand guidance, creating a supportive community and fostering a seamless transition for international students into the UK university landscape.
Overall, HelloUni’s audience encompasses both prospective students seeking information and universities aiming to enhance their recruitment efforts and foster meaningful connections within their global student community.
HR
Design
Management
Engineering
Sales
Marketing
PERSONAL DETAILS
Synthesising User Research.
PERSONAL DETAILS
HelloUni addresses a diverse range of potential personas, starting with prospective international students looking to embark on their academic journey in the United Kingdom. These individuals may include:
Global Explorers
Description:
Ambitious students seeking international educational experiences at universities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. They are eager to research and connect with their chosen institutions before transferring.
Key Traits:
Open-minded, culturally curious, and interested in building connections in the UK academic landscape.
Ambitious students seeking international educational experiences at universities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. They are eager to research and connect with their chosen institutions before transferring.
Key Traits:
Open-minded, culturally curious, and interested in building connections in the UK academic landscape.
University Administrators
Description:
Recruitment teams and university administrators aiming to enhance their talent acquisition strategies. HelloUni serves as a valuable tool to streamline sign-ups and reduce costs associated with attracting diverse international students.
Key Traits:
Goal-oriented, interested in optimizing recruitment processes, and focused on creating a diverse student community.
Recruitment teams and university administrators aiming to enhance their talent acquisition strategies. HelloUni serves as a valuable tool to streamline sign-ups and reduce costs associated with attracting diverse international students.
Key Traits:
Goal-oriented, interested in optimizing recruitment processes, and focused on creating a diverse student community.
Tech-Savvy Students:
Description:
Students who are not only interested in the academic aspect but also in leveraging technology to ease their transition. HelloUni appeals to those comfortable with digital platforms and modern connectivity tools.
Key Traits:
Technologically inclined, prefer online platforms for research, and value seamless digital experiences.
Students who are not only interested in the academic aspect but also in leveraging technology to ease their transition. HelloUni appeals to those comfortable with digital platforms and modern connectivity tools.
Key Traits:
Technologically inclined, prefer online platforms for research, and value seamless digital experiences.
QUESTION AREAS
These potential personas represent the broad spectrum of individuals that HelloUni aims to cater to, bringing together traditional and modern elements to create a holistic and effective platform for international students and university administrators alike. These questions aim to delve into the unique characteristics, preferences, and expectations of each persona, helping to create more accurate and user-centric representations for the development of the HelloUni app.
What factors are driving your interest in studying abroad?
How important is cultural exposure in your decision to study internationally?
What challenges do you currently face in the recruitment process for international students?
What features or tools would be most beneficial in streamlining recruitment processes?
How comfortable are you with using online platforms for research and communication?
What specific digital tools or apps do you currently use to explore educational opportunities?
MEI TAN
Friendly | Tech savvy | Educated
Age: 21
Occupation: Computer
Science Student Status: Single
Location: Shenzhen
“I’m eager to explore universities abroad, and I wish for technology to help me seamlessly connect with potential academic opportunities without disrupting my social life.”
Pain points:
Mei often finds it challenging to manage smart devices gracefully during social gatherings, wanting to strike a balance between staying connected and being fully present with friends.
Goals:
Mei aims to explore international universities, seeking a platform that simplifies the research process and enables direct connections with university communities.
Age: 21
Occupation: Computer
Science Student Status: Single
Location: Shenzhen
“I’m eager to explore universities abroad, and I wish for technology to help me seamlessly connect with potential academic opportunities without disrupting my social life.”
Pain points:
Mei often finds it challenging to manage smart devices gracefully during social gatherings, wanting to strike a balance between staying connected and being fully present with friends.
Goals:
Mei aims to explore international universities, seeking a platform that simplifies the research process and enables direct connections with university communities.
SOFIA RA
Adventurous | Career-Driven | Culture Enthusiast
Age: 19
Occupation: Marketing Intern
Status: Single
Location: Burgas
“I dream of studying in a vibrant European city. Technology should enhance my journey by connecting me with potential universities seamlessly and respecting my personal time.”
Pain points:
Sofia often faces challenges managing notifications during work hours, especially when juggling her internship responsibilities and aspirations for further education.
Goals:
Sofia envisions an academic adventure in a vibrant European city and desires a platform that facilitates in-depth exploration of universities and their unique cultural offerings.
Age: 19
Occupation: Marketing Intern
Status: Single
Location: Burgas
“I dream of studying in a vibrant European city. Technology should enhance my journey by connecting me with potential universities seamlessly and respecting my personal time.”
Pain points:
Sofia often faces challenges managing notifications during work hours, especially when juggling her internship responsibilities and aspirations for further education.
Goals:
Sofia envisions an academic adventure in a vibrant European city and desires a platform that facilitates in-depth exploration of universities and their unique cultural offerings.
WEI CHAN
Goal-Driven | Family-Oriented | Tech-Enthusiast
Age: 22
Occupation: Computer Science Major
Status: Single
Location: Beijing
“I aspire to pursue a top-notch education overseas. Technology should help me seamlessly explore international universities while respecting my cultural values and family connections.”
Pain points:
Wei encounters challenges in seamlessly integrating his global aspirations with his Chinese cultural values and maintaining strong connections with his family.
Goals:
Wei’s goal is to achieve academic excellence at a renowned international university, and he seeks a platform that simplifies the exploration of educational opportunities abroad.
Age: 22
Occupation: Computer Science Major
Status: Single
Location: Beijing
“I aspire to pursue a top-notch education overseas. Technology should help me seamlessly explore international universities while respecting my cultural values and family connections.”
Pain points:
Wei encounters challenges in seamlessly integrating his global aspirations with his Chinese cultural values and maintaining strong connections with his family.
Goals:
Wei’s goal is to achieve academic excellence at a renowned international university, and he seeks a platform that simplifies the exploration of educational opportunities abroad.
02 /
CHAPTER
INTERACTIONS
USERFLOW
Low Fidelity interactions.
PRIMARY PERSONA TYPES
These potential personas represent the broad spectrum of individuals that HelloUni aims to cater to, bringing together traditional and modern elements to create a holistic and effective platform for international students and university administrators alike. These questions aim to delve into the unique characteristics, preferences, and expectations of each persona, helping to create more accurate and user-centric representations for the development of the HelloUni app.
Owners
Admins
Collaborators
Followers
03 /
CHAPTER
EXECUTION
HIGH FIDELITY DESIGNS
Anatomy of a library.
Library colour swatches
Library colour swatches
Libraries come with multiple customisable components.
One of the main customisation options is the ability to change the primary library color. The primary colour will be reflected when users view the library card and further more, when the user clicks into the library card to view the content within.
#4CA3EC
#ffffff
#72C0EC
#882EE4
#DB9934
#53CCF0
MOBILE APP MOCKUPS
High-fidelity mockups for the HelloUni mobile app represent a meticulous culmination of mapping features to the specific needs and preferences of its users.
VISUAL REPRESENTATION
These mockups go beyond a mere visual representation, encapsulating a strategic alignment between the app’s functionality and the nuanced requirements of its diverse user base.
APPLICATION SAMPLE
Through a comprehensive analysis of user needs, preferences, and academic objectives, these mockups seamlessly integrate features that cater to the unique aspects of the university exploration journey.
USER INTERFACE 01
SHOWCASING BESPOKE FEATURES
Kifi’s collaborative libraries are a simple way for teams to stay up to date on file management, new team members and general push notifications.
International market promotion
Reduce cost of student acquisition
Better conversion rate
Software as a service
The collaboration feature was strategized, researched, designed and developed for iOS, Android and responsive web.
SHOWCASING BESPOKE FEATURES
Kifi’s collaborative libraries are a simple way for teams to stay up to date on file management, new team members and general push notifications.
International market promotion
Reduce cost of student acquisition
Better conversion rate
Software as a service
The collaboration feature was strategized, researched, designed and developed for iOS, Android and responsive web.
USER INTERFACE 02
WORLDWIDE USERS
Efficiently oversee individuals ranging from collaborators and followers to new team members across the globe. Empower your team by upgrading user accounts to collaborators, providing transparency on individual contributors within the library and ensuring accountability throughout the team.
Collaborative Content Sharing
Comprehensive Notification System
Thorough Review and Note Management
Holistic Member Management
New members are notified via SMS, ensuring a seamless and inclusive onboarding experience for individuals across the globe, with a particular focus on user engagement in prominent countries like India and China.
WORLDWIDE USERS
Efficiently oversee individuals ranging from collaborators and followers to new team members across the globe. Empower your team by upgrading user accounts to collaborators, providing transparency on individual contributors within the library and ensuring accountability throughout the team.
Collaborative Content Sharing
Comprehensive Notification System
Thorough Review and Note Management
Holistic Member Management
New members are notified via SMS, ensuring a seamless and inclusive onboarding experience for individuals across the globe, with a particular focus on user engagement in prominent countries like India and China.
USER INTERFACE 03
WORLDWIDE AMBASSADORS HUB
Effectively oversee a diverse spectrum of individuals within our global ambassador network, ranging from collaborators and followers to new team members. Empower your team by elevating user accounts to the collaborator level, ensuring transparency on individual contributions within the hub and fostering accountability across our esteemed community of ambassadors.
Interactive Resource Sharing:
Advanced Notification System:
Comprehensive Feedback and Insights Platform:
Thorough Review and Note Management
Welcoming new ambassadors to our global community is seamless and inclusive. New members receive notifications via SMS, ensuring a user-friendly onboarding experience that extends a warm welcome to individuals around the world.
WORLDWIDE AMBASSADORS HUB
Effectively oversee a diverse spectrum of individuals within our global ambassador network, ranging from collaborators and followers to new team members. Empower your team by elevating user accounts to the collaborator level, ensuring transparency on individual contributions within the hub and fostering accountability across our esteemed community of ambassadors.
Interactive Resource Sharing:
Advanced Notification System:
Comprehensive Feedback and Insights Platform:
Thorough Review and Note Management
Welcoming new ambassadors to our global community is seamless and inclusive. New members receive notifications via SMS, ensuring a user-friendly onboarding experience that extends a warm welcome to individuals around the world.
HIGH FIDELITY DESIGNS
Android material design reskin.
KEY FINDINGS
Measuring success.
“To be at the cutting edge of innovation meant for myself and the team to be relentless. Luckily the founders cultivated a culture that allowed everyone to try new ideas, even if it meant potential failure. As long as we learned, together”.
What I did well
In the project, I demonstrated a commendable understanding of the nuanced task of appealing to a predominantly young Chinese audience while ensuring the design seamlessly translates to the British marketplace and remains attractive to users abroad. Leveraging your partner’s connections as an Asian international student, you conducted insightful user studies that provided valuable firsthand insights into the preferences and expectations of the target audience. This hands-on approach to user research allowed you to gather authentic feedback, enhancing the reliability of my findings.
Moreover, my initiative to create alternative design and layout examples and subsequently subject them to user rating on a 0-10 scale showcased a proactive and iterative design process. This method not only allowed for quantitative evaluation but also provided a qualitative understanding of user preferences. The conclusion drawn from my study, advocating for a more icon-focused design and a simplified navigation structure, reflected a keen ability to distill complex user feedback into actionable design decisions. Overall, my research-driven approach significantly contributed to the project’s success by ensuring that the final design resonated effectively with the target audience across diverse cultural contexts.
Moreover, my initiative to create alternative design and layout examples and subsequently subject them to user rating on a 0-10 scale showcased a proactive and iterative design process. This method not only allowed for quantitative evaluation but also provided a qualitative understanding of user preferences. The conclusion drawn from my study, advocating for a more icon-focused design and a simplified navigation structure, reflected a keen ability to distill complex user feedback into actionable design decisions. Overall, my research-driven approach significantly contributed to the project’s success by ensuring that the final design resonated effectively with the target audience across diverse cultural contexts.
What I would do differently
In addressing the website redesign for a company targeting young adults in higher education, there are a few areas where improvements could be considered. Firstly, enhancing communication and collaboration with the target audience during the redesign process could provide valuable insights. Implementing user feedback sessions, surveys, or focus groups can offer a more comprehensive understanding of the specific preferences and expectations of the young adult demographic.
Additionally, while the decision to brighten up the style and colors of the existing website aligns with the goal of appealing to a younger audience, further exploration of contemporary design trends and aesthetics could be beneficial. Keeping abreast of the latest design styles ensures that the visual appeal remains current and resonates effectively with the dynamic preferences of the target demographic. Regarding the navigation flow overhaul, it might be advantageous to conduct usability testing to validate the effectiveness of the new structure. This involves observing how users interact with the redesigned navigation in real-time, providing actionable insights into potential areas of improvement. Iterative testing and adjustments based on user behavior can optimize the navigation for a smoother and more intuitive user experience.
Additionally, while the decision to brighten up the style and colors of the existing website aligns with the goal of appealing to a younger audience, further exploration of contemporary design trends and aesthetics could be beneficial. Keeping abreast of the latest design styles ensures that the visual appeal remains current and resonates effectively with the dynamic preferences of the target demographic. Regarding the navigation flow overhaul, it might be advantageous to conduct usability testing to validate the effectiveness of the new structure. This involves observing how users interact with the redesigned navigation in real-time, providing actionable insights into potential areas of improvement. Iterative testing and adjustments based on user behavior can optimize the navigation for a smoother and more intuitive user experience.
