The project itself :
Project Overview
I redesigned the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) Program Finder Tool to transform a fragmented search experience into a streamlined, accessible discovery engine for students. The project focused on optimizing complex information architecture and filtering logic to reduce cognitive load while navigating academic programs. My design won a university-wide UX challenge, demonstrating my ability to solve institutional usability gaps with scalable, data-driven solutions.
Problem:
The university’s existing search experience was fragmented and frustrating, leading to high cognitive load for prospective students navigating academic offerings and institutional barriers.
Goal:
Transform the current finder from a basic search tool into an intuitive, accessible discovery engine that streamlines academic decision-making and reduces user friction.
My role:
End-to-End UX Designer &
Challenge Winner
Responsibilities:
Performing usability audits on the legacy tool
Restructuring complex information architecture
Designing advanced faceted filtering logic
Creating high-fidelity functional prototypes
Pitching the winning design to institutional stakeholders
All about the user :
User Research
The research phase began with a stakeholder kickoff to define the business problem, which revealed the legacy tool was designed for students who already knew their path—effectively failing prospective and undecided users. I followed this with a competitor audit of other university search tools to identify systemic gaps in information hierarchy and delivery-method clarity. To deepen these insights, I performed deep-dive usability audits and interviewed a diverse cross-section of prospective students, current students, and academic advisors. This research confirmed that the existing system was structured around institutional silos rather than student mental models, allowing me to map the specific friction points—such as academic jargon and fragmented information architecture—that were hindering student enrollment and retention.
Pain Points
Dense Catalog Barrier:
The legacy tool functioned as a static list of flyers rather than a guided experience, making it nearly impossible for prospective students to find a logical starting point.
Navigational Friction:
Critical information, such as program delivery methods, was buried or difficult to find, forcing users into a "hunt and peck" behavior that resulted in information overload and excessive scrolling.
Structural Mismatch:
The search architecture was structured around internal university departments rather than the actual goals of a student, creating a high barrier to entry for those still in the discovery phase.
User Persona
This persona was created by conducting user research and identifying common pain points that frustrate and block the user from getting what they need from a product.
User Journey Map
A strategic visualization of Amelia's path through a fragmented search experience, highlighting the friction points that necessitated a comprehensive functional overhaul.
I developed a user journey map of Amelia's experience with the legacy site to pinpoint specific functional gaps. By documenting her path from indecision to a final choice, I identified the need for specialized tools that turn a passive list into an active advisory experience.
Goal
Transform an overwhelming program search into a guided, data-driven discovery process—moving Amelia from a starting point of paralysis to a state of confident decision-making.
The project schematically :
Starting the Design
Here I built some schemes and storyboards to clarify and understand information and architecture of the app. After I created paper wireframes and than proceeded with building digital wireframes with a low-fidelity prototype in order to conduct usability studies with stakeholders.
Sitemap
It's a structured scheme that outlines the pages and content hierarchy of the app.
Next step: creating the website map. Initially structure of the project was more complicated, and contained more services, sections etc. But the goal was to make it as simple as possible, and at the same time with all the info.
Paper Wireframes
They initially oriented on the basic structure of the homepage and highlight the intended function of each element.
I sketched several different layouts for how the homepage's information structure could appear. After reviewing all the versions, I merged them into a refined design. Additionally, since Credroad customers access the site on various devices, I began working on designs for different screen sizes to ensure the site is fully responsive.
The goal was to explore different ideas with wireframes.
Digital Wireframes
More "clear" version of wireframes in a digital form. Also all the important pages are added
in it.
On this step I used the Figma design tool to create digital wireframes of all the pages. Then I bonded all of them into the clear and smooth structure.
The goal is to show how all the pages and things interact with each other.
Usability Studies
This is an examination of users and their needs, which adds realistic context to the design process.
Initially, I conducted unmoderated usability studies with several participants, who answered various questions about the site and shared their observations while interacting with the low-fidelity prototype. After gathering the data, I analyzed and synthesized the information. Ultimately, I identified key themes and generated several insights.
The goal was to identify pain points that the user experiences with the app designs so the issues can be fixed before the final product launches.
Credit score:
Make the credit score image more understandable visually, add bureaus description.
Card comparison:
There is no clear way how to add cards to comparison, or remove them.
User dashboard:
On the dashboard user don’t have an information how to improve his credit score, it’s great to have all the things here.
The clear version :
Refining Design
On this step, first I created a static, high-fidelity Voo's app design (keeping in mind all the conclusions from the previous phase of usability studies) that is a clear representation of a final product called design mockups.
After that, I created a high-fidelity prototype of the app.
Mockups
These are a high fidelity design that represents a final product
I created all the app pages mockups, incorporating the right design elements such as typography, color, and iconography. I also included captivating and visually appealing images, and developed all the necessary components and elements.
The goal was to demonstrate the final Voo's app in as much detail as possible.
The project schematically :
Outcome
Now, finally, it remained to pay attention to several takeaways and plan some further steps.
Takeways
The series of hand-drawing frames that visually describe and explore a user's experience with a product.
Impact:
Our target users have described Credroad's design as intuitive and user-friendly, allowing them to easily check and improve their credit scores, find all necessary information, and choose the most suitable credit plan.
What I learned:
The main thing I learned that even a small change can have a huge impact on the user experience. The most important takeaway for me is to always focus on the real needs of the user.
Next Steps
The series of hand-drawing frames that visually describe and explore a user's experience with a product.
Conduct follow-up usability testing on the new app iteration.
Identify any additional areas of need and ideate on new features.