Campus Experience App
Doane University
Doane University is a close-knit school. Despite attending a small high school, transitioning to Doane was daunting for me. Having been with the same classmates from pre-K through senior year, the idea of moving an hour away from home and knowing very few people was frightening. Trying to navigate the campus was challenging, unlike the familiar small school I was accustomed to. My mission was to develop an app specifically designed to help students get used to campus life.
Problem
Students at Doane have a hard time settling into the campus because they don’t know where to go or how to find the resources they need to truly succeed. Time is often wasted walking around looking for classrooms, not knowing the short cuts to buildings when you first arrive. With over 70% of students on Doane’s Crete campus involved in athletics and other extracurricular activities, students are extremely busy.
Solution
How may I create an app that helps new students learn Doane campus quickly so they can truly succeed.
Demographic
Ages 18-22
Persona
To help give an idea of who would best benefit from this app, I began by creating a persona of who my primary audience would be. This helped shape my design choices and how I created the features.
“Kyra just graduated High School in Edwardsville, Illinois. College, especially for her, is going to be a lot different from High School. With a graduating class of fewer than 60 students, she is accustomed to small schools. Also being from out of state, she doesn’t know very many people before arriving on campus. Her primary concern revolves around adjusting to campus life and navigating it comfortably.”
Research
While I was conducting research, I sent out a survey to the demographic I was aiming for (ages 18-22) asking a series of questions about Doane University and what they would like to see improved. The results showed that users wanted an app that provided faster routes to buildings, allowed for personalization of cafeteria swipes, and had a social aspect where they could connect with other students by seeing the campus calendar and what events are happening when. Based on this research, the Campus Experience app was developed with these features in mind.
What year are you?
12% Freshman
36% Sophomore
24% Junior
28% Senior
When you first came to campus, did you feel overwhelmed trying to find your way around campus?
68% Yes
32% No
Did you wish there was an easier way to show you the fastest route to get to your classes?
84% Yes
12% No
Do you often forget how many cafeteria swipes you have left each week?
88% Yes
12% No
Do you often forget how many Doane dollars you have left each semester?
80% Yes
20% No
Do you wish you could see your receipts from the den and lakeside?
80% Yes
20% No
Do you have a problem with spending your Doane dollars too fast to where you run out before the semester ends?
56% Yes
44% No
Do you have a problem with not spending your Doane dollars before the semester ends so you just loose money?
64% Yes
36% No
Would you find it valuable to know how many Doane dollars you should spend each week in order to use all your Doane dollars by the end of the semester without running out too early?
84% Yes
16% No
Do you wish you knew about all of the different activities going on on campus?
92% Yes
8% No
Do you wish there was an updated calendar of campus events so you can plan ahead on what you want to attend?
100% Yes
Special Features
This app keeps you in the know by displaying your remaining cafeteria swipes and Doane dollars, empowering you to manage your dining options effectively. Additionally, it provides up-to-date information about campus events, allowing you to stay connected and make the most of your college experience.
Featuring monthly calendars that showcase a wide range of exciting events happening on campus. From lectures and workshops to social gatherings and club activities, never miss out on the vibrant campus life as our app keeps you informed and engaged throughout the academic year.
Navigate your college campus with ease using our intuitive campus app, featuring a comprehensive map that guides you to your destinations quickly and efficiently. Whether you're looking for a specific building, a lecture hall, or a campus facility, our app ensures you'll never lose your way again, saving you time and frustration in your daily campus life.
Experience The Live Prototype:
Designed to seamlessly guide new students through the maze of our campus. From interactive maps and real-time directions to personalized event recommendations, our app ensures a smooth transition and empowers students to confidently navigate their way to success.
With convenient displays of schedules and hours of various rooms and buildings on campus. From lecture halls to study rooms, easily plan your day and optimize your time, ensuring you never miss a class or struggle to find an available space again.
Satisfy your taste buds with our convenient way to access menus for the cafeteria, Tiger Den, and Lakeside Coffee Shop. From daily specials to dietary options, plan your meals ahead, and make informed choices to indulge in a variety of delicious offerings across campus dining locations.
Prioritize your safety with our college campus app, which grants you immediate access to essential contacts within the school community. From campus security and emergency services to counseling and support resources, our app ensures that you have quick and reliable access to the necessary contacts to keep you safe and secure throughout your college experience.
Empowering New Students Everywhere
With new horizons and a new campus, unlock your full campus potential. Find your way with ease and confidence using our university campus app designed to help new students navigate and explore every corner of the campus.