Valencia Graphics
Overview
Valencia Graphics is a team project with the objective to redesign Valencia College's Graphics website.
Not a lot of students were engaging with the website, which led to a low turnout rate for student networking and organization events, so they assigned us with the task to figure out why.
Step 1: Identifying the Problem
Design and Layout Issues: Cluttered text boxes are difficult to scan, Inconsistent visual design across different pages, Small text size and low contrast hinders readability.
Navigation and Content Structure: Navigate menu is not prominent or consistent, making site exploration challenging. Overwhelming dense information, especially in the FAQ section, without clear segmentation or interactive elements.
Information Currency and Clarity: Presence of outdated content suggests a lack of regular updates. Complex instructions for processes like internship applications, lacking clear and concise guidance.
Step 2: Gathering information
User Research and Need Analysis: Conducting surveys and interviews with students and teachers to understand their needs and preferences. 60% of our students were full-time students between the ages of 18-25. This same 60% had a above-average familiarity with technology, preferred text, and used their phone the most. However, when it came to interacting with a new Valencia Graphics platform, an 3/4 wanted a website over an app.
Usability and Design Preferences: Most of the students used applications such as Discord, however, when we conducted an interview with some of these students, it was revealed that despite their lack of interest in an app, they wanted mobile-friendly designs because they were on their phones most of the time.
Content and Feature Prioritization: During our interviews, we learned that what students wanted was easy access to event information, networking opportunities, and job postings. They wanted them each on a separate pages.
Step 3: Formulate a Solution
Based on the analysis, we proposed a solution for a mobile-friendly website with a simple, minimalistic design offering segmented information to avoid clutter.
Homepage
The objective of this homepage was to make it visually engaging. There are a bunch of things for the student to do, and we want them to be encouraged to click around and intuitively interact with the content. We believe that this approach will allow students to not only be inclined to visit the website, but also become a regular.
Desktop Version
Mobile Version
Groups
Purpose
The purpose of this Groups Page are for students who want to interact with other students more. As a college student, you hear a lot about "networking" but there isn't a lot of places to get college. We thought that this layout was a way for students to intuitively jump into becoming an active member of the community.
Desktop Version
Mobile Version
Messages
Purpose
Based on our research, our students are full-time students which means when they're on their phones, they'll be wanting to spend a lot of time engaging with other students. This page allows students to star, archive, expand the message box in order to see the full message without clicking on it (You don't want to leave someone on seen, do you?) and finally, delete the message (or in other words, ghosting). We created each of these options based on our research, and with this layout, students will be able to intuitively engage with other students, groups, and professors.
Desktop Version
Mobile Version
Events
Purpose
Students really wanted to get involved in events, and by some, I mean at least 90%. So we decided to create an events page, allowing students to like, dislike, star, share, and critique the event. Yes, we know that critique can seem like a harsh word but in our graphic design community, it's a word that is used extremely often. Students will be able to easily scroll through and be informed on whatever event is coming up.
Desktop Version
Mobile Version
Profile
Purpose
The Profile page is meant for students to not only express themselves, but to get to know other students. One of the main reasons why people wanted to attend these events was to Network (because networking is drilled into our heads), and so, we felt like allowing students their own profile pages was a great way to show off both their major and their personality.
Desktop Version
Mobile Version
Personal TakeAways
Valencia Graphics is one of my favorite projects because it was my first team project. There was drama, there was resolutions, and there was friendships that came from this hectic project and I will always be grateful for it because it taught me great time management, improved my design skills, and opened my eyes to the concept of designing something outside of just the sake of obtaining money.
your insight matters
As a college student, I am anxiously excited about the future. I am always looking to improve and your feedback, even on something as simple as a shade of a color, is more than welcomed.
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