Overview
Problem
The current DOE site makes it hard for college students to access vital information about grants and loans because of unclear language and messy informational architecture.
Solution
Create a main page that combines Grants and Loans that then branches off into separate grant and loan subpages in order to help students compare and contrast grant and student loan information.
Impact
Simplified the process of applying for a loan or grant and educated the public along the way.
Research
Interview Takeaways
People visit the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) website because it is reputable and important, but the site makes users feel overwhelmed.
Audit Takeaways
- Lots of unnecessary links
- Poor informational architecture
- Lack of hierarchy
- Inefficient use of white space
- Overuse of jargon
Problem
The current DOE site makes it hard for college students to access vital information about grants and loans because of unclear language and messy informational architecture.
Analysis
How might we…
- Improve the informational architecture to make navigation seamless?
- Update copywriting to be educational, inclusive, and inviting?
- Create a user interface that is fun yet inspirational?
Card Sorting
4/5 participants sorted grants and loans into separate groups
100% of participants placed grants and loans together
User Persona
Corbin Sanchez
SOlUTION
Create a main page that combines Grants and Loans that then branches off into separate grant and loan subpages in order to help students compare and contrast grant and student loan information.
Creation
User Path
Sketches
A/B Testing
My goal was to see how users preferred to navigate back to the main Grants vs. Loans page. Users preferred option 2.
- More white space.
- Easier to browse.
- Grant description made more prominent.
UI Style Guide
Final Results
IMPACT
Simplified the process of applying for a loan or grant and educated the public along the way.
Check Out More Projects
Vibe Check
App Design
For most partygoers, a fun and memorable night out is very dependent on the music and vibe. Although these are influential factors, they’re often indeterminable until arriving at the venue/scene. We decided to change that.
Certified Pros
Direct Mail Insert
After launching a new digital product, we wanted to both educate our audience about a new product, and help our current advertisers decrease their costs per lead.
Other Creatives
Out of office
Designing is part of who I am, so whether I’m in office or not, I’m finding ways to express myself and challenge my creativity.