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Many students rely on the UC Davis Campus Rec app when they forget their student ID but often face frustrations, such as repeated login prompts and difficulty navigating the interface. Additionally, the app's features, which promote classes in art, dance, and sports, often go under the radar, leading to a lack of participation in these programs. To address these issues, I redesigned the app to improve functionality, navigation, and overall appeal.
Problem
Users are unable to access their student IDs efficiently and are unaware of the classes provided by the ARC, which requires a redesign for improved usability.
Solution
I created a redesign of the UC Davis Campus Rec App to simplify the login process, improve navigation, and highlight classes provided by the ARC, ensuring easy access to student IDs and program information.
I conducted three interviews with current UC Davis students who regularly use the UC Davis Campus Rec app. Then, I combined these insights with secondary research by compiling common frustrations from the app store reviews. I was able to uncover patterns and recurring issues by creating an affinity map.
Affinity Map
To visualize my findings, I created a user persona so that I can understand my target audience better.
Key Takeaways 📝
User Pain Points
Found no incentive in having the app VS carrying physical ID card
Information displayed on the app seem cluttered and useless, no organization
Login system is “cumbersome” and “annoying” due to lengthy authentication process.
Design Priorities
Create a more efficient and intuitive app layout and design system.
Display information in an organized format, so that users can retrieve their desired information quickly.
Provide a one-time login for users, so that they don’t have to repeatedly go through the authentication process.
After conducting user research, I mapped out user flows to establish a solid foundation. I created two key user flows based on what users found most important in my user research: a more efficient login system and a way to make program offerings more discoverable.
With this groundwork in place, I began my design process. Here are my prototypes, from my lo-fi sketches to hi-fi designs.
I created solutions to two key frustrations with the app—disorganization and difficulty accessing the student ID. Here are the key updates I implemented in my redesign.
Results
This case study was my first independent exploration into UX Design, and working on this passion project taught me invaluable lessons in user research and design. Thinking about the bigger picture, my goal is to establish this design system as the standard for educational and recreational platforms, ensuring consistency and an enhanced user experience across various schools and programs.
Working on an app that has the potential to make a tangible impact on campus has greatly grown my passion for becoming a UX designer. I’m excited to continue developing it as a passion project.
