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ODUMobile

Existing App Redesign

ODUMobile is a mobile application made for students at Old Dominion University. The app functions as a mobile version of the University's main internal interface, "myODU Portal."  The stakeholders requested a redesign of the interface and added features to include updates that were made to Portal and other university webpages.

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Project Overview

Project Dates

August 2023-January 2024

Roles

Responsibilities

UX/UI Designer

User research, wireframing, prototyping, design handoff

The problem:

ODUMobile 5.0 is an outdated mobile app, both in look and functionality. The app is missing key functions from the myODU Portal, athletics, housing, and many other University groups. It has low student engagement and many bugs-slow loading time and frequent app crashing being the most pertinent issues.

The goal:

ODUMobile 6.0 will include all University required functions. The user interface will be updated and the user experience will be more appealing to students, staff, and faculty alike.

Additional requirements:

  • Easy navigation

  • Accessible by those outside Old Dominion University

  • Clean UI

  • Brand consistent

  • Attendance scanning capability

  • "Up Next" feature for class schedules

  • Mobile ID card functionality

Original Product Screenshots

User Research

Student Survey:

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This unmoderated survey was delivered virtually as well as in-person. Included questions asked about current engagement, future wants, and frustrations within the current app. 

 

Insights:

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"The team should continue to include the attendance scanner and myODU in the new app, as those are the most popular current features. Access to Canvas in-app should be added, as 17 out of 24 respondents marked it as the most important feature to see. Laundry machine availability and dining information seems to be of low importance. Students requested access to the bus route tracker.  The team should also focus on more appealing UI in the update-students felt more satisfied with its usefulness than the way it looks. The app is useful to students when they forget their keycard and to scan for attendance."

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Faculty/Staff Survey:

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This unmoderated survey was delivered virtually. Included questions asked about current engagement, future wants, and frustrations within the current app for faculty and staff. 

 

Insights:

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"The team should continue to include the attendance scanner and Parking Portal in the new app, as those are the most popular current features. Access to Canvas in-app should be added. Bus route tracker seems least important for this data set. The team should also focus on more appealing UI in the update-faculty also felt more satisfied with its usefulness than the way it looks. Faculty and staff want to be able to send and receive notifications for and about University and course happenings."

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Lo-fi Mockups

  • ODU logo easily viewable

  • Clear user flow starting point

  • Ability to view as University guest​

  • Bus route tracker for student

  • Parking portal for staff/faculty​

  • "Up Next" feature on landing page

  • Top and bottom navigation bars​

  • Attendance scanner-open camera in-app to sign in to courses

  • Mobile ID barcode​

Lo-Fi Mockup Feedback

After the initial lo-fi mockup was created, faculty/staff and student focus groups were held, in-person and online.

 

Student Focus Group:

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All participants had used the app, though one reported frequent crashes. Common descriptors for the app were "cluttered," "buggy," and "forgettable," with frustrations around its interface, especially the abundance of information and duplicate entries. The primary use was for attendance, though some preferred using the website instead. Suggestions for improvement included better organization, persistent login, and features like dark mode, campus maps, and bus route tracking. They expressed interest in features like push notifications for events and laundry updates, along with streamlined access to campus services like counseling appointments and device registration. They appreciated the idea of a more modern laundry feature with push notifications and felt the app should better integrate with emergency services and subscriptions. Overall, students sought a more user-friendly, efficient experience with clearer navigation and fewer steps to access key services.

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Faculty/Staff Focus Group:

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Of the group, only one person had used the app regularly, and the overall impression was positive, highlighting its minimalist design and ease of use. The primary complaint was issues with authentication and timeouts, particularly related to the gym. Participants suggested improvements like embedding the advising center, access to Monarch Groups and university announcements, and better navigation for finding important information. They emphasized the need for a professional-looking interface and a "one-stop-shop" for essential student services. Specific feature requests included push notifications for parking closures, an "up next" section for upcoming events, a bus route tracker, and integration with Canvas and email. They also suggested allowing users to edit their profiles and re-organize the information displayed. There was a preference for fewer but more useful links, with an opt-in option for notifications to avoid information overload. Lastly, they noted the importance of making the app useful for both students and faculty, with features like event reminders and easy access to campus resources.

 

Stakeholder Feedback:

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The stakeholder does not want to include the laundry services into the app, only provide a link to the current system. He agreed with the addition and the notifications feature. The design was given the "go ahead" with a few minor tweaks to be made. Additions like a staff directory, popular pages suggestions, and campus events should be made.​

Hi-Fi Mockup

Screenshot 2024-11-12 at 2.26.50 PM.png
  • "Popular Now" apps listed

  • "Up Next" list

  • Dark and light mode capabilities

  • Easily navigable menu

  • Status Alert and Checklist badges for urgent alerts​

  • myApps customization to match myODU Portal​

  • Reminders and notifications for multiple features

  • FaceID for iOS users ​

  • Status Alerts and Checklists notifications refreshed to match myODU Portal​

  • Athletics and Events schedules added​

Going Forward

The app refresh is on pause due to University priority changes.  When developers begin the next phase, continual reiteration of the hi-fi mockup will be made. The hope is that this redesign creates a more seamless transition between myODU Portal and ODUMobile.

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