Maximizing User Experience: The Key Elements of a Good Online Academic Program Finder for University Websites
A good web design for universities should be visually appealing, easy to navigate, and user-friendly.
It should also be mobile-responsive, as more and more users access the internet on their smartphones. It should also provide easy access to important information such as academic programs, events, and contact information. Additionally, it should be designed to be accessible and inclusive for users with disabilities. Overall, the web design should make it easy for potential students and other stakeholders to find the information they need and to learn more about the university.
A good online academic program finder for a university website should have several key features:
Search functionality
Users should be able to search for programs by keyword, degree level, and/or field of study. This feature allows users to quickly and easily find the programs they are interested in by typing in relevant keywords, such as “computer science” or “masters in business.” Users should also be able to filter their search results by degree level (e.g. undergraduate, graduate) and field of study (e.g. engineering, humanities).
Filtering options
Users should be able to filter their search results by factors such as location, duration, and admission requirements. This allows users to narrow down their search results to find programs that meet their specific needs, such as programs offered online or in a specific location.
Detailed program information
Each program listing should provide detailed information such as curriculum, course offerings, and career prospects. This allows users to learn more about the program and determine if it is a good fit for them before applying.
Easy-to-use interface
The academic program finder should be user-friendly, with a clear and intuitive design. This makes it easy for users to find the information they need, even if they are not familiar with the website.
Responsive design
The academic program finder should be mobile-responsive, so that users can access it easily on any device. This is important as more and more users access the internet on their smartphones and tablets.
Accessible for all
The academic program finder should be accessible for users with disabilities, using web standards such as ARIA roles, labels, and WAI-ARIA landmarks. This ensures that users with disabilities can access the information they need, regardless of the device they are using.
Real-World program finder examples
Below is an example of two great program finders that we are proud to feature. These finders were rebuilt by WordHerd to provide efficient and user-friendly ways that will help students and parents navigate through the wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs offered by our Stevenson University. With these program finders, students have access to detailed information about the program’s curriculum, admission requirements, and even the professors who will be teaching the classes. The advanced filter options allow students to search by area of study, degree level, and campus location, making it easy to find the perfect program that fits their needs.
Integration with other University systems
As a step further a program finder could integrate with other university systems like student portal, CRM, E-learning platforms, and other related systems to provide a seamless experience to the user. This allows users to move between different parts of the university website without having to log in multiple times or navigate to different pages.
Overall, a good online academic program finder should be designed to make it easy for users to find the programs they are interested in and to learn more about them.
Testimonial
“Migrating and adapting the Stevenson University website to WordPress has enabled us to have more flexibility with virtually unlimited opportunities for future growth thanks to its available plugins, robust content management dashboard, SEO optimization tools, support of multiple media types, and a helpful community of open-source developers, training, and knowledge base access.”
Brandon M. Seidl | Senior Director, Web & Digital Marketing