Enhancing the Usability and Experience for the Pittsburg State University Website
Category
Creative Works
Department
Graphic Communications
Student Status
Undergraduate
Research Advisor
Dr. Jason Reid
Document Type
Event
Location
Student Center Ballroom
Start Date
10-4-2025 2:00 PM
End Date
10-4-2025 4:00 PM
Description
This study was created in order to enhance the usability and overall user experience of the Pittsburg State University's official website by pinpointing potential problems located throughout the site that may inadvertently deter prospective students from the University, while creating potential frustration and confusion for current students while using the college's website. We specifically investigated the home page layout and information, the scholarship application process, Gus Portal, Gus Classic, accessing of transcripts and the process of transferring credits to the university from other establishments. Through moderated usability sessions we identified recurring pain points and thematic user frustrations, such as outdated pages, insufficient site navigation, and broken links. We found that while the original redesign resolved some issues, it also introduced new navigational concerns and did not fully address critical functionality. Using Figma, we expanded upon our previous research by creating user flows and redesigned targeted portions of the site, focusing on clearer labeling, quicker navigation, as well as dispelling broken links and outdated information. Our proposal aims to reduce frustration and confusion, increase user engagement, and streamline navigation for both new and current PSU community members. We aim to spark discussions on collaborative efforts to regularly enhance the website's performance to increase user satisfaction and overall ease.
Enhancing the Usability and Experience for the Pittsburg State University Website
Student Center Ballroom
This study was created in order to enhance the usability and overall user experience of the Pittsburg State University's official website by pinpointing potential problems located throughout the site that may inadvertently deter prospective students from the University, while creating potential frustration and confusion for current students while using the college's website. We specifically investigated the home page layout and information, the scholarship application process, Gus Portal, Gus Classic, accessing of transcripts and the process of transferring credits to the university from other establishments. Through moderated usability sessions we identified recurring pain points and thematic user frustrations, such as outdated pages, insufficient site navigation, and broken links. We found that while the original redesign resolved some issues, it also introduced new navigational concerns and did not fully address critical functionality. Using Figma, we expanded upon our previous research by creating user flows and redesigned targeted portions of the site, focusing on clearer labeling, quicker navigation, as well as dispelling broken links and outdated information. Our proposal aims to reduce frustration and confusion, increase user engagement, and streamline navigation for both new and current PSU community members. We aim to spark discussions on collaborative efforts to regularly enhance the website's performance to increase user satisfaction and overall ease.
