UniMelb Search
Streamlining search at the University of Melbourne
UX/UI • Web Feature
The University of Melbourne was looking to improve its search experience after receiving consistently poor user feedback. It was evident that the existing search functionality fell short, lacking refinement options and readability. With over 100 sites in its ecosystem, the search needed to better assist users in finding relevant information.
Client
University of Melbourne
Contributions
UX design, UI design, user testing
Year
2020-2021
UniMelb Search
Streamlining search at the University of Melbourne
UX/UI • Web Feature
The University of Melbourne was looking to improve its search experience after receiving consistently poor user feedback. It was evident that the existing search functionality fell short, lacking refinement options and readability. With over 100 sites in its ecosystem, the search needed to better assist users in finding relevant information.
Client
University of Melbourne
Contributions
UX design, UI design, user testing
Year
2020-2021
UniMelb Search
Streamlining search at the University of Melbourne
UX/UI • Web Feature
The University of Melbourne was looking to improve its search experience after receiving consistently poor user feedback. It was evident that the existing search functionality fell short, lacking refinement options and readability. With over 100 sites in its ecosystem, the search needed to better assist users in finding relevant information.
Client
University of Melbourne
Contributions
UX design, UI design, user testing
Year
2020-2021
Discovery
Redesigning UniMelb search for better usability
The previous search layout buried key details within long paragraphs and had limited filtering options, making navigation difficult. Our goal was to improve usability by redesigning the layout to make search results more scannable and intuitive while also aligning with the new design system style.
Discovery
Redesigning UniMelb search for better usability
The previous search layout buried key details within long paragraphs and had limited filtering options, making navigation difficult. Our goal was to improve usability by redesigning the layout to make search results more scannable and intuitive while also aligning with the new design system style.
Discovery
Redesigning UniMelb search for better usability
The previous search layout buried key details within long paragraphs and had limited filtering options, making navigation difficult. Our goal was to improve usability by redesigning the layout to make search results more scannable and intuitive while also aligning with the new design system style.
Process
The approach to redesign
We adopted a user-centered approach to redesign the search feature, combining insights from competitor research with iterative design and testing for a more intuitive experience.
Process
The approach to redesign
We adopted a user-centered approach to redesign the search feature, combining insights from competitor research with iterative design and testing for a more intuitive experience.
Process
The approach to redesign
We adopted a user-centered approach to redesign the search feature, combining insights from competitor research with iterative design and testing for a more intuitive experience.
Process
The approach to redesign
We adopted a user-centered approach to redesign the search feature, combining insights from competitor research with iterative design and testing for a more intuitive experience.
Result types
Researching and designing components
Building on the team’s research into user segments and personas, I focused on redesigning the search feature for better usability. This included analysing other universities' search features, products utilising the Squiz search platform, and general search patterns to identify best practices and features suitable for UniMelb. The redesign heavily emphasised establishing style consistency across multiple result types while enhancing key features specific to each type, such as iconography for course locations and event times. Given the varied content types and potential for incomplete information, I planned for different copy lengths and ensured the design was adaptable across multiple devices and views.
Result types
Researching and designing components
Building on the team’s research into user segments and personas, I focused on redesigning the search feature for better usability. This included analysing other universities' search features, products utilising the Squiz search platform, and general search patterns to identify best practices and features suitable for UniMelb. The redesign heavily emphasised establishing style consistency across multiple result types while enhancing key features specific to each type, such as iconography for course locations and event times. Given the varied content types and potential for incomplete information, I planned for different copy lengths and ensured the design was adaptable across multiple devices and views.
Result types
Researching and designing components
Building on the team’s research into user segments and personas, I focused on redesigning the search feature for better usability. This included analysing other universities' search features, products utilising the Squiz search platform, and general search patterns to identify best practices and features suitable for UniMelb. The redesign heavily emphasised establishing style consistency across multiple result types while enhancing key features specific to each type, such as iconography for course locations and event times. Given the varied content types and potential for incomplete information, I planned for different copy lengths and ensured the design was adaptable across multiple devices and views.
Result types
Researching and designing components
Building on the team’s research into user segments and personas, I focused on redesigning the search feature for better usability. This included analysing other universities' search features, products utilising the Squiz search platform, and general search patterns to identify best practices and features suitable for UniMelb. The redesign heavily emphasised establishing style consistency across multiple result types while enhancing key features specific to each type, such as iconography for course locations and event times. Given the varied content types and potential for incomplete information, I planned for different copy lengths and ensured the design was adaptable across multiple devices and views.
Design exploration
Iterative designs and concepts
I worked through stages of wireframes, initial design concepts for user testing and further refined design after gathering feedback. The designs aligned with some wider redesign that was in progress and with the UniMelb design system, utilising components from Storybook and the Figma UI Kit where possible.
Design exploration
Iterative designs and concepts
I worked through stages of wireframes, initial design concepts for user testing and further refined design after gathering feedback. The designs aligned with some wider redesign that was in progress and with the UniMelb design system, utilising components from Storybook and the Figma UI Kit where possible.
Design exploration
Iterative designs and concepts
I worked through stages of wireframes, initial design concepts for user testing and further refined design after gathering feedback. The designs aligned with some wider redesign that was in progress and with the UniMelb design system, utilising components from Storybook and the Figma UI Kit where possible.
Design exploration
Iterative designs and concepts
I worked through stages of wireframes, initial design concepts for user testing and further refined design after gathering feedback. The designs aligned with some wider redesign that was in progress and with the UniMelb design system, utilising components from Storybook and the Figma UI Kit where possible.
User testing
First click testing with 60 students
We tested the new features with 60 students, using heatmaps to identify frequently clicked areas and validate that our design improved usability. Problematic areas were refined based on feedback, ensuring a smoother experience across desktop and mobile.
User testing
First click testing with 60 students
We tested the new features with 60 students, using heatmaps to identify frequently clicked areas and validate that our design improved usability. Problematic areas were refined based on feedback, ensuring a smoother experience across desktop and mobile.
User testing
First click testing with 60 students
We tested the new features with 60 students, using heatmaps to identify frequently clicked areas and validate that our design improved usability. Problematic areas were refined based on feedback, ensuring a smoother experience across desktop and mobile.
User testing
First click testing with 60 students
We tested the new features with 60 students, using heatmaps to identify frequently clicked areas and validate that our design improved usability. Problematic areas were refined based on feedback, ensuring a smoother experience across desktop and mobile.
Design & UX Enhancements
New search features
Design & UX Enhancements
New search features
Design & UX Enhancements
New search features
Design & UX Enhancements
New search features
Enhanced autocomplete for quicker search results
I enhanced the autocomplete dropdown to not only display suggested keywords but also direct results like related courses and people. This reduced the number of steps needed to find information, allowing users to click straight through to their desired page from the search bar.
Enhanced autocomplete for quicker search results
I enhanced the autocomplete dropdown to not only display suggested keywords but also direct results like related courses and people. This reduced the number of steps needed to find information, allowing users to click straight through to their desired page from the search bar.
Enhanced autocomplete for quicker search results
I enhanced the autocomplete dropdown to not only display suggested keywords but also direct results like related courses and people. This reduced the number of steps needed to find information, allowing users to click straight through to their desired page from the search bar.
Enhanced autocomplete for quicker search results
I enhanced the autocomplete dropdown to not only display suggested keywords but also direct results like related courses and people. This reduced the number of steps needed to find information, allowing users to click straight through to their desired page from the search bar.
Making search results easier to scan
Previously, search results were displayed as plain text, making it difficult for users to find what they needed. I introduced colour-coded course tags aligned with the course handbook, making it easier to identify course types at a glance. Additional enhancements like icons and clickable campus locations provided clear, scannable details, helping prospective students navigate course options and campus information more efficiently.
Making search results easier to scan
Previously, search results were displayed as plain text, making it difficult for users to find what they needed. I introduced colour-coded course tags aligned with the course handbook, making it easier to identify course types at a glance. Additional enhancements like icons and clickable campus locations provided clear, scannable details, helping prospective students navigate course options and campus information more efficiently.
Making search results easier to scan
Previously, search results were displayed as plain text, making it difficult for users to find what they needed. I introduced colour-coded course tags aligned with the course handbook, making it easier to identify course types at a glance. Additional enhancements like icons and clickable campus locations provided clear, scannable details, helping prospective students navigate course options and campus information more efficiently.
Making search results easier to scan
Previously, search results were displayed as plain text, making it difficult for users to find what they needed. I introduced colour-coded course tags aligned with the course handbook, making it easier to identify course types at a glance. Additional enhancements like icons and clickable campus locations provided clear, scannable details, helping prospective students navigate course options and campus information more efficiently.
Guiding enquiries with promoted search results
To address a recurring issue where students searched for individual staff emails instead of using proper enquiry channels, I implemented promoted custom results. For keywords like 'contact,' users are now directed to the appropriate contact methods, ensuring enquiries reach the right department. This feature also allows marketing to highlight specific content for other keywords, making it a versatile tool for promoting important information.
Guiding enquiries with promoted search results
To address a recurring issue where students searched for individual staff emails instead of using proper enquiry channels, I implemented promoted custom results. For keywords like 'contact,' users are now directed to the appropriate contact methods, ensuring enquiries reach the right department. This feature also allows marketing to highlight specific content for other keywords, making it a versatile tool for promoting important information.
Guiding enquiries with promoted search results
To address a recurring issue where students searched for individual staff emails instead of using proper enquiry channels, I implemented promoted custom results. For keywords like 'contact,' users are now directed to the appropriate contact methods, ensuring enquiries reach the right department. This feature also allows marketing to highlight specific content for other keywords, making it a versatile tool for promoting important information.
Guiding enquiries with promoted search results
To address a recurring issue where students searched for individual staff emails instead of using proper enquiry channels, I implemented promoted custom results. For keywords like 'contact,' users are now directed to the appropriate contact methods, ensuring enquiries reach the right department. This feature also allows marketing to highlight specific content for other keywords, making it a versatile tool for promoting important information.
Final thoughts
Refining the search experience and beyond
The redesign successfully streamlined the search experience, making it faster and easier for students to find relevant information. This was a great project to work on within a larger organisation and established structure. Search was one of a few projects I worked on for the University of Melbourne including their new Digital ID rollout and microsite for Open Day.
Final thoughts
Refining the search experience and beyond
The redesign successfully streamlined the search experience, making it faster and easier for students to find relevant information. This was a great project to work on within a larger organisation and established structure. Search was one of a few projects I worked on for the University of Melbourne including their new Digital ID rollout and microsite for Open Day.
Final thoughts
Refining the search experience and beyond
The redesign successfully streamlined the search experience, making it faster and easier for students to find relevant information. This was a great project to work on within a larger organisation and established structure. Search was one of a few projects I worked on for the University of Melbourne including their new Digital ID rollout and microsite for Open Day.
Final thoughts
Refining the search experience and beyond
The redesign successfully streamlined the search experience, making it faster and easier for students to find relevant information. This was a great project to work on within a larger organisation and established structure. Search was one of a few projects I worked on for the University of Melbourne including their new Digital ID rollout and microsite for Open Day.
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Let's work together.
© Kelly Stubbs 2024
Let's work together.
© Kelly Stubbs 2024
Let's work together.
© Kelly Stubbs 2024
Let's work together.
© Kelly Stubbs 2024