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Currently, students are provided with a comprehensive PDF file containing a list of modules to choose from each academic year. However, the extensive list lacks an easy method to ensure that module credits are met.
Students are eager to discover the optimal modules for each academic year. Recognising this, a group of students explored if there is a simpler way to streamline the tedious module planning process.
SUSSMODS is designed by students for students to replace the tedious module planning process.
Interviews were conducted with 7 SUSS students to understand their experiences with module planning. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we were unable to conduct face-to-face interviews, leading us to opt for online interviews via Zoom as a viable alternative.
Speaking to students from SUSS on their experiences with module planning and challenges they faced helped us understand their pain points, and allowed us to make informed adjustments and prioritize features that align with their preferences and needs.
The insights were used as design goals to prioritize features. The 3 main design goals were:
An in-depth user flow was created to outline how we imagined students will interact with the web app.
I explored my concepts with digital wireframes based on the major touch points in the user flow.
Students have to finish setting up their profile when they create an account on SUSSMODS. This ensures that they get an accurate idea of the number of credit units they have.
On the Modules page, students have the option to filter their choices by semester, credit units, major, and minor programmes to refine their search results.
The Schedule page provides students with a clear visual representation of the modules they have planned for the upcoming semester.
The credit calculator is located on both the Modules and Schedule pages, allowing students to track the credits they’re taking in the upcoming semester, and the credits that they are left with.
We invited the same 7 students we previously interviewed to participate in testing the mid-fidelity prototype via Zoom. The usability test findings revealed that:
Utilizing SUSS’s existing design system, I made final adjustments to the SUSSMOD’s design based on the feedback from our usability test. These changes included:
To allow students to complete setup later, a secondary button was added.
A soft warning was included under the credit calculator to remind them to complete their setup in order to get an accurate calculation of their credits.
Students who have added a module to the wrong semester can easily recover from their mistake by clicking on the “Remove” button.
Doing so will change the button state to “Add”. At this point, students can select their desired semester from the dropdown beside.
The hover state added to modules makes it clear to students that the item is clickable, and directs them to view the module in detail.
Additionally, including the timings of the modules enhances their planning capabilities and enables them to organize their schedules more efficiently
In the next phase of the design of SUSSMODS, I will revisit the 2 insights that were initially deprioritized:
This project was my first time working in a team as the sole UI/UX designer. Since none of us had worked together before, the initial phase involved navigating different work styles and figuring out how to collaborate effectively.
With team members from different majors and varying schedules, coordinating meetings and making important decisions was often challenging. There were times where some team members were less responsive, which slowed our progress and left us rushing to complete tasks near the deadline.
It was definitely challenging, and it highlighted the importance of proactive planning in team projects. This means incorporating buffer time to handle unexpected delays and ensuring effective communication channels so everyone stays informed.