| Project | Restructuing and optimising pages of course key dates for better user experiences |
| Company | La Trobe University |
| Platform | Website |
| My Role | Senior UX Designer |
| Tools Used | Figma | Adobe Analytics | Mouseflow |
In the journey to restructure and enhance how course key dates are communicated at La Trobe University, this project focuses on untangling critical issues that impact students’ ability to effectively plan their academic journey.
Here we are concentrating on two key website components:
- The product page template
- The dedicated course key dates page
Product pages: Ambiguity and inconsistencies in course dates information
The product page template currently presents several challenges related to clarity and consistency in how course dates are displayed, impacting the user experience:
Ambiguity in date labels: The “start date” shown on product pages lacks specificity, leaving students unsure whether it refers to the course start date or the application start date. This confusion particularly affects international students, who rely on accurate timelines for visa planning and other preparations.
Absence of close dates: While close dates are valuable from a marketing perspective helping to create urgency and guide enrollment decisions they are not included on product pages. This omission limits the page’s potential to serve as a decision-making support for prospective students.
Unstructured data: The course date data passed into the CMS arrives as a single, unstructured string from various departments. This data lacks clear categories such as course start/end dates or application start/end dates making it difficult to break down and display in a meaningful and consistent manner.
Inconsistent data presentation: The way date information is formatted and displayed varies from one course page to another. Some product pages handle date strings differently, resulting in inconsistent layouts and a lack of standardization across the website. This inconsistency undermines the user experience and reduces trust in the information presented.
Irrelevant content for specific audiences: Non-essential information, such as content meant only for domestic students, is displayed to all audiences. This makes it harder for users to locate what’s relevant to them, particularly international students who have different priorities and requirements.
Course key dates page: Overloaded content and outdated information
The course key dates page also struggles with key issues that hinder its usability and effectiveness:
Overloaded date tables: The current page displays a mix of semester and term dates in a single table, with no clear distinction for specific audiences. Both domestic and international students are presented with all date information simultaneously, leading to information overload and confusion.
Manual updates leading to outdated information: The course key dates page relies on manual updates from web editors, who input data based on spreadsheets received from various departments. This inefficient workflow often results in outdated content being displayed, such as showing 2024 dates even when it’s already 2025. This inconsistency reduces the page’s reliability as a source of accurate information.
Current process: Exploring solutions
As we transition from the problem exploration phase into solution discovery, our focus has shifted to analyzing how other universities handle similar challenges and identifying opportunities for innovation. This process is driven by three key research activities:
- Benchmarking best practices: Analyzing how other universities clearly distinguish course start dates and application start dates.
- Mapping key dates at La Trobe: A comprehensive review of our academic calendar is underway to consolidate key dates (e.g., application open/close, course start/end) and understand how they rotate across semesters or terms in a year.
- Exploring data representation: Using insights from benchmarking and internal mapping, we are exploring visual formats, such as calendars or timelines, to represent date patterns and provide a seamless, user-friendly experience for students.
Proposed solution (wireframing in progress)
1. Course pages: Clearer communication and planning support
Highlight course start and application dates: Display the course start date with a clear label and indicate the application start date or its status (e.g. days left to apply). Include a prominent call-to-action (CTA) encouraging students to explore more dates and plan for current or upcoming intakes.
Temporary solution for non-standard dates: For courses with non-standard dates, provide a course-specific popup on the course page. This popup will display relevant start and application dates tied directly to the course in question, ensuring clarity without cluttering the primary course key dates page.
2. Course key dates page: Targeted exploration and enhanced usability
Introduce date cycles and audience segmentation: Start with an overview section explaining how semesters/terms rotate in a calendar year, giving users context. Then, allow them to explore course dates based on their audience type.
Supportive content for application dates: Enhance the page with FAQs and supportive content beneath the application dates table, addressing common doubts and ensuring students have the information they need to proceed confidently.
3. Breaking down data complexity (In progress)
Transform String Data into Usable Datasets: The current string-based data from various systems needs to be broken into a structured and categorized dataset with clear identifiers (e.g., course start/end dates, application start/end dates). This foundational work is essential for building accurate, user-friendly displays across multiple pages.
Stay tuned as we continue refining this solution, collaborating with stakeholders to tackle complexities and create a seamless, scalable final outcome…