Last year, we carried out usability testing around the proposed search and filter interface for the future degree finder. We also tested the effectiveness of updated navigation features to help users orientate themselves on programme pages. We were pleased to see students encounter no major usability issues when interacting with these.

As part of our work redeveloping the undergraduate study site, we recently performed a series of content crits (critiques). Content crits are a method of peer reviewing content in a group setting. In this post, I’ll talk about why we held these crits and my tips for holding your own content crits.

I recently facilitated a series of workshops to redesign content that explains the postgraduate research (PGR) applying process. This process is complex, but these workshops gave us space to work through the content in detail and, crucially, draw on the subject matter expertise of our user researcher.

I recently did some content improvement work with the Postgraduate Recruitment team that taught me a lot about the use of standout elements and how they influence user behaviour.

As part of the future degree finder project, we recently ran a series of collaboration workshops with colleagues from across the University. These workshops helped us identify any potential issues and refine our prototype for the future postgraduate taught programme page.

In 2023 we collaborated on a project with the Widening Participation team to rework their web content aimed at prospective undergraduate students. Our approach made sure we had a shared focus, we collaborated effectively with subject matter experts, and we appraised our work as we progressed.

As part of the future degree finder project, our team has been exploring navigation options. We wanted to learn how students would interact with our degree finder content without left hand navigation. We found removing this navigation had no impact on their ability to use the site and they used alternative means to get to […]

The team has just completed our audit of a selection of school sites. We’ve uncovered some interesting themes and trends that will help inform the build of a new system to replace the degree finder and better meet the needs of student recruitment colleagues in schools.

While working with colleagues in schools on the latest degree finder update, I noticed the content sent through to us reflected common mistakes in writing for the web. Here are my tips for creating digital content that is informative, accessible, and that provides the best possible experience for prospective students.