As with any experience-led project, we began by researching usage and behaviour of the existing user base. Heat-maps, user surveys and developing student and staff personas with the marketing team allowed us to plan a phased approach to redesigning the website.
Once the overall style and aesthetic of the initial design work was signed-off, next came the many different content-types and components that would need to be updated for launch.
Utilising defined sprints for design and build, the components of the website were then delivered to the different teams, for implementation.
Through a combination of research and various stakeholder interests, we decided a “Priority+” approach to the navigation system was the best way forward.
This meant that we could prioritise important navigation links with a responsive menu that adjusted depending on the screen size and most importantly; avoid that pesky mobile menu icon!
A further user journey review was used to identify which parts of the website were most important to focus the project; a website of this size was going to be impossible to redesign every aspect individually.
The priorities identified were search, navigation and accessibility.
We had to test and review every section with the university’s staff to ensure that we were being as inclusive as possible while still maintaining the overall brand.
The university saw a singificant increase in users requesting a personalised prospectus on the new website.
Improvements in design and prominence of contact options saw a positive increase of students use the live chat service offered on the website.
The university noted a positive increase in users clicking to apply to UCAS courses featured on the website, a key metric for student recruitment.
The new website also delivered notable improvements in prospective students clicking to apply directly to the university.
Ensuring that consistency was retained throughout. Additionally, it gives a reference to their internal developers for future amends, and safeguards the design and branding.
View the finished website by visiting – www.londonmet.ac.uk