For the course “Web Design and Web Usability,” we developed a concept for a website with the pro-social goal of strengthening the sense of community among students. By applying Design Thinking and UX research methods, a social network was created that integrates well into everyday university life and needs and promotes connection through collaboration.
Within the Double Diamond process model, the first step was defining the problem from the users’ perspective. Through interviews with students, we gained valuable insights, most notably the importance of team events and shared goals, which strongly shaped the concept. These findings informed the creation of user personas. Additionally, we complemented our inital research by a competitive analysis of similar platforms.
To develop an intuitive navigation structure, we conducted an online card-sorting exercise with different students. The results were then transferred into our prototype. Each Design Thinking iteration was finalized with an evaluation process. Here, an usability test based on ANSI 354-2001 with three scenarios was conducted.
The iterative Design Thinking process provides a structured guideline for continuous improvement. The THI Campus Hub project strengthened our ability to develop user-centered designs throughout the research and prototyping cycle. I particularly valued the fast-paced workflow and the application of scientifically grounded methods.
