Managing multi-campus websites effectively is crucial for institutions that span multiple locations. It ensures a cohesive and seamless online experience for all users. A well-designed multi-campus website helps current and prospective students easily find campus-specific information. These include resources and services, which is essential for making informed decisions and accessing support.
Clear and intuitive navigation reduces frustration, enhances user satisfaction, and encourages a positive impression of the institution. Strategic ways of managing multi-campus websites also supports better communication and engagement across campuses. This promotes a unified institutional identity while catering to the unique needs of each location.
Critical Issues and Potential Improvements
KWALL interviewed students and asked them to share their insights and experiences regarding their school’s website. They were also asked feedback regarding navigation and location, shedding light on several critical issues and potential improvements. Here is what we found:
1. Difficulty finding campus-specific information
Two students nearly enrolled at other schools due to the difficulty of finding information about the campus, only learning months later that it was an option.
2. Current students struggling with resources
Many processes were confusingly split between the main website and secured site. There were unclear directions on where to find information on the course catalog, fees, tuition payments, and veterans’ benefits certification.
3. Card sorting experiment
This surfaced friction points around multi-purpose resources. Students struggled with site search and navigation, lacking intuitive labeling and direct links. Housing, libraries, and veteran resources were noted as needing clear signposting.
4. Search experience difficulty
Students found the site search unhelpful, often turning to Google instead. Searches for accessibility services surfaced irrelevant news articles.
Campus-Specific Information
During the discussion on location and campus experiences, participants highlighted challenges in finding campus-specific information on their website. Issues included:
- Lack of clear differentiation between campuses
- Difficulty in locating relevant events and resources
- Insufficient information about campus amenities and programs
- Participants highlighted difficulties in finding specific pages related to financial aid, course catalogs, and course listings.
- Confusion arose regarding the distinction between main site tasks and the organization of information under campus life.
Participants suggested improvements such as prominently displaying campus-specific tabs, offering clearer navigation options, and providing more comprehensive information about each campus. Additionally, concerns were raised about the affordability of housing near certain campuses, influencing students’ enrollment decisions. Overall, the discussion emphasized the need for better organization, clarity, and accessibility of campus-related information to enhance the user experience for students across all campuses.
Addressing Challenges in Navigation
The discussion on site navigation revealed various challenges faced by students when accessing information on their website.
- Participants highlighted difficulties in finding specific pages related to financial aid, course catalogs, and course listings.
- Confusion arose regarding the distinction between main site tasks and the organization of information under campus life.
- The organization of information under campus life
Suggestions for improvement included clearer categorization of campus-specific content, more intuitive navigation paths, and enhanced search and filtering options for course information. Additionally, participants expressed the need for a centralized page for financial resources and a more user-friendly way of accessing the course catalog. Overall, the feedback emphasized the importance of improving navigation clarity and accessibility to enhance the user experience for students navigating the website.
Card Sort
During the card sort activity, participants encountered challenges with categorizing certain cards, particularly housing and library services, as they could fit into multiple categories. The ‘Request Information’ card posed difficulties due to its relevance to various stages of the student journey and the need for specific information.
Feedback highlighted the importance of clarity and accessibility in navigation, including the need for a centralized page for veteran information and improved search functionality on the website. Suggestions included creating a cheat sheet with essential links for veterans and enhancing visibility for crucial resources like disability services. Overall, the discussion emphasized the importance of user-centered design and addressing diverse user needs in website navigation and functionality.
How KWALL Can Help With Your Multi-Campus Website
Managing multi-campus websites can be complex and daunting, but KWALL is here to make it easier. With our expertise in creating cohesive, user-friendly digital experiences, we can help streamline your online presence, ensuring each campus has a distinct identity while maintaining overall brand consistency. From initial consultation to ongoing support, our team is dedicated to understanding your unique needs and delivering solutions that drive engagement and satisfaction across all your campuses. Partner with KWALL and transform the way you connect with your community through an efficient, well-managed multi-campus website.
