PRATT CONNECT
A community driven networking platform
UX Research | Information Architecture | Prototyping and Usability Testing
My Role
Conducting User Research, Wireframing and Prototyping, Conducting Usability Tests, Reiterating Designs
Team
Radhika Phansalkar
Jessica Zhang
Serene Liu
Wenge Weng
Duration
Oct 2023 - Dec 2023
10 weeks
Skills
UX Research
Wireframing
Prototyping
Usability Testing
Tools
Figma
Miro
Optimal Workshop
At Pratt Institute, the School of Information (SI) community is composed of students from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Located in Manhattan, separate from the main Brooklyn campus, SI students often experience a sense of disconnect, particularly regarding networking and event opportunities. Addressing this challenge is essential to fostering a more cohesive and engaged student community.
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While Pratt Institute offers several websites and applications to promote student engagement, it is crucial to assess how these existing information systems currently serve students and identify ways they can be better aligned with student needs and expectations.
Project Scope
To design a dedicated platform for Pratt Institute students and alumni, for enhanced networking and high engagement for academic and professional development.
Current Digital Landscape
Though Pratt Institute offers numerous websites and apps to promote student engagement, it is crucial to evaluate how these existing information systems serve students and identify ways to streamline them for a more intuitive and effective user experience that truly meets student needs.
"Too many websites to catch up with."
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"Information overload from multiple platforms."
"Low streamlined communication platforms."
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The Solution: Desktop
"Pratt Connect: Where Ideas, People, and Opportunities Meet"
Video - Create a post, find people, check profiles and find events.
The Solution: App
"Pratt Connect: Campus in your pocket"
a. Find people, check profiles and find events.
b. Create a post.
Methodology
The team followed the Double Diamond design framework to guide our research and design methodology.
By following this structured approach, we ensured that our design decisions were data-driven and aligned with actual student needs.
User Research
Defining the User Group
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1. Pratt Current Students
Pratt students are highly engaged in their studies and research, actively seeking guidance, job opportunities, and networking connections.
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2. Pratt Alumni
Alumni who want to stay connected with the school community, offer advice, or mentor current students.
3. Pratt Administrative Staff
University staff members may join to provide official announcements or assist with inquiries.
User Interview
Final Year Graduate Student
User Journey
First Year Graduate Student
Key Insights from user studies
1
Social Disconnect,
low interaction
Pratt Institute having two campuses, students often feel disconnect in opportunities and face networking limitations.
2
Fragmented Media Platforms
Due to multiple logins and channels, information sets are scattered, rendering a sense of overwhelm in sourcing information.
3
Low engagement and knowledge exchange
Users imposed on the importance of peer interaction for academic and personal development.
Key Insights
Content Structuring
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Card Sorting
An open card sorting exercise was undertaken to observe user behaviors and collect insights about how they categorize information. 10 participants were given 38 cards. The data was analyzed based on participant responses to information labeling and dendrogram visualizations in Optimal Workshop.
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Analysis
The card sorting revealed that users tended to organize the site contents into major categories like “Advising”, “Discussions and Posts”, “Events”, and “Contacts”. These categories centered around two functionalities: one that encouraged discussions and the other that was network-oriented.
Tree Testing
Once the categories and an initial information architecture had been determined based on the results of the card sorting study, a tree testing study with 5 tasks for the use of the Pratt Connect platform was implemented. 14 participants completed the study and offered valuable feedback.
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Analysis
The tree testing study revealed that the navigations to categories “Discussion Boards”, “Career Development Resources”, “People”, “My Profile” were straightforward, whereas to build connections, the users answered in several different modes revealing the need for navigational alternatives based on user behavior.
Site Map
Design Process
Mid Fidelity Wireframes
After constructing the Information Architecture for the website, we started low fidelity and mid fidelity wireframes designs.
Mobile wireframes -
1. Profile page
2. Homepage - Posts
Mobile wireframes -
1. Homepage - Posts
2. Events Page
Usability Testing
After the mid fidelity wireframes were prototyped, unmoderated usability tests were conducted to assess the feasibility to the design. ​Each participant was given 8 tasks. The participants were asked to describe their process. Their feedback and pain points were assessed :
1
Consistency and Standards
Establishing cohesiveness among design elements for quick decision making i.e. terminologies, language patterns, and components like buttons, cards, etc.
2
Aesthetic and Minimalist Design
Assessing the visual balance and ensure harmony among design elements. Ensuring visual hierarchy and low cognitive load.
3
Feedback and Microinteractions
Providing affirmative feedback for website actions. These interactions keep the users informed about what expected actions.
Design Styleguide
Brand Identity
High Fidelity Wireframes
"Pratt Connect: Campus in your pocket"
a. Homepage - Discussions
b. People page
c. Events page
"Pratt Connect: Where Ideas, People, and Opportunities Meet"
a. Homepage - Discussions
b. People page