Improved UX for the Harvard Online Learning Portal
University in Cambridge, MA
Challenge
Harvard’s Online Learning Portal served as a centralized catalog of over 300 online courses and learning opportunities from across the university (both free and paid). Users can search, browse, and register for courses from the portal.
Harvard knew that the site was out of date, and challenged Slide UX to improve the usability and information architecture in key areas of the site.
What We Did
After conducting our own review of the current experience, we audited the competitive set and conducted user research. Our interviews helped reveal trends in what users were looking for, as well as key places on the site where users would stumble due to design and usability issues.
The client team was interested in surveying their large audience, but that activity didn’t fit within our budget, so we provided guidance as they conducted a survey to inform the project.
"They did very well and captured a lot of intricacies. They understood the detail needed right away and were transparent about expectations."
Joseph Casciano, Digital MarCom Manager
Once the team aligned on key opportunities, we began the design process.
Focusing on the homepage, course catalog page, and individual course pages, we clarified labels attached to the courses, resolved wayfinding issues, and uncovered some hidden calls to action.
We used responsive wireframes that addressed the risks uncovered in our research, and improved the global navigation.
We capped our work with visual designs, providing Harvard Online Learning with an updated, modern look and feel while staying true to their firm brand standards.
Results
"They set a good baseline and were consistent throughout the process. They were generally available through email and Slack and were very responsive. They were always up-to-date with invoices and time tracking; everything came in on time and under budget."
Joseph Casciano, Digital MarCom Manager
This project went as planned, and we were able to deliver everything on pace. When we suggested new design paradigms that the client team wanted to adopt site-wide, they found the budget to invest in additional design.
Our client reported that designs were well-received internally, and the development team was very impressed with our work. Over time, the team at Harvard Online Learning hired us for 2 additional follow-on projects.
After our work together, our client was so interested in UX that he moved from his role in Digital MarCom to a Knowledge and User Experience Manager with Harvard Medical School.
In an interview with Clutch.co, X rated Slide UX 5-stars across the board.
Is it live? Can you see it?
We did this work in 2018. It was developed and has been maintained since by the team at Harvard Online Learning. The site was live with many of our recommendations still intact, the last time we checked, but it could change at any time. Here’s the link: pll.harvard.edu
