Optimize Class Scheduling

Optimize Class Scheduling

Optimize Class Scheduling

Optimize Class Scheduling

ROLE

ROLE

ROLE

Product Designer

Product Designer

Product Designer

COLLABORATORS

COLLABORATORS

COLLABORATORS

Brandon Kim

Brandon Kim

Brandon Kim

TOOLS

TOOLS

TOOLS

Visual Design
Prototyping
Micro Interactions

Visual Design
Prototyping
Micro Interactions

Visual Design
Prototyping
Micro Interactions

TIMELINE

TIMELINE

TIMELINE

2 Months

2 Months

2 Months

ROLE

Product Designer

TOOLS

Visual Design
Prototyping
Micro Interactions

TIMELINE

2 Months

COLLABORATORS

Brandon Kim

Context

Context

NYU students spend hours every enrollment period picking out courses to fit their ideal schedule

NYU students spend hours every enrollment period picking out courses to fit their ideal schedule

NYU students spend hours every enrollment period picking out courses to fit their ideal schedule

NYU students spend hours every enrollment period picking out courses to fit their ideal schedule

Before enrollment each semester, students meticulously plan their schedules by researching various courses, professors, and class times. They aim to create the best possible schedule that fits their academic goals and personal commitments. However, despite their careful planning, they often find themselves needing to replace one or two classes due to availability issues.

Before enrollment each semester, students meticulously plan their schedules by researching various courses, professors, and class times. They aim to create the best possible schedule that fits their academic goals and personal commitments. However, despite their careful planning, they often find themselves needing to replace one or two classes due to availability issues.

Before enrollment each semester, students meticulously plan their schedules by researching various courses, professors, and class times. They aim to create the best possible schedule that fits their academic goals and personal commitments. However, despite their careful planning, they often find themselves needing to replace one or two classes due to availability issues.

Before enrollment each semester, students meticulously plan their schedules by researching various courses, professors, and class times. They aim to create the best possible schedule that fits their academic goals and personal commitments. However, despite their careful planning, they often find themselves needing to replace one or two classes due to availability issues.

Pain Point

Pain Point

Albert, the website students schedule classes is confusing for course selection and struggle to efficiently build schedules

Albert, the website students schedule classes is confusing for course selection and struggle to efficiently build schedules

Albert, the website students schedule classes is confusing for course selection and struggle to efficiently build schedules

Albert, the website students schedule classes is confusing for course selection and struggle to efficiently build schedules

Albert, NYU’s current website for finding courses has an interface that is not intuitive and many users find hard to navigate. During registration, the difficulty students face in swiftly replacing courses or accessing vital information hinders their overall experience.

Albert, NYU’s current website for finding courses has an interface that is not intuitive and many users find hard to navigate. During registration, the difficulty students face in swiftly replacing courses or accessing vital information hinders their overall experience.

Albert, NYU’s current website for finding courses has an interface that is not intuitive and many users find hard to navigate. During registration, the difficulty students face in swiftly replacing courses or accessing vital information hinders their overall experience.

Albert, NYU’s current website for finding courses has an interface that is not intuitive and many users find hard to navigate. During registration, the difficulty students face in swiftly replacing courses or accessing vital information hinders their overall experience.

Defining the Problem

Defining the Problem

As courses fill up during registration, students frantically select second-option classes which creates messy schedules

As courses fill up during registration, students frantically select second-option classes which creates messy schedules

As courses fill up during registration, students frantically select second-option classes which creates messy schedules

As courses fill up during registration, students frantically select second-option classes which creates messy schedules

Due to assigned enrollment times and course status changing quickly over the school-wide enrollment period, this time can be stressful and lead to scheduling conflicts and last-minute changes. This ultimately results in schedules made on-the-whim that students are not satisfied with.

Due to assigned enrollment times and course status changing quickly over the school-wide enrollment period, this time can be stressful and lead to scheduling conflicts and last-minute changes. This ultimately results in schedules made on-the-whim that students are not satisfied with.

Due to assigned enrollment times and course status changing quickly over the school-wide enrollment period, this time can be stressful and lead to scheduling conflicts and last-minute changes. This ultimately results in schedules made on-the-whim that students are not satisfied with.

Due to assigned enrollment times and course status changing quickly over the school-wide enrollment period, this time can be stressful and lead to scheduling conflicts and last-minute changes. This ultimately results in schedules made on-the-whim that students are not satisfied with.

Context

Context

We decided our primary challenge was to focus on improving the experience of the fetching of class information and manipulating it to optimize scheduling

We decided our primary challenge was to focus on improving the experience of the fetching of class information and manipulating it to optimize scheduling

We decided our primary challenge was to focus on improving the experience of the fetching of class information and manipulating it to optimize scheduling

We decided our primary challenge was to focus on improving the experience of the fetching of class information and manipulating it to optimize scheduling

User Interviews

User Interviews

Users believe that enrollment is hard due to difficulties sorting through dozens of class times in a sea of information — primarily due to Albert's organization

Users believe that enrollment is hard due to difficulties sorting through dozens of class times in a sea of information — primarily due to Albert's organization

Users believe that enrollment is hard due to difficulties sorting through dozens of class times in a sea of information — primarily due to Albert's organization

Users believe that enrollment is hard due to difficulties sorting through dozens of class times in a sea of information — primarily due to Albert's organization

We discovered that students think the user journey is unclear. Many screens have too many features with their purpose being unclear, causing cognitive overload during an already stressful time. We interviewed 10 NYU students to get a better understanding of their problems with Albert. One interviewee even said: "I always plan my schedule out with multiple options of classes on different days/times because I know I will not get my first choice." This confirmed that many students seem to resonate with the "late enroller" persona, and face similar difficulties.

We discovered that students think the user journey is unclear. Many screens have too many features with their purpose being unclear, causing cognitive overload during an already stressful time. We interviewed 10 NYU students to get a better understanding of their problems with Albert. One interviewee even said: "I always plan my schedule out with multiple options of classes on different days/times because I know I will not get my first choice." This confirmed that many students seem to resonate with the "late enroller" persona, and face similar difficulties.

We discovered that students think the user journey is unclear. Many screens have too many features with their purpose being unclear, causing cognitive overload during an already stressful time. We interviewed 10 NYU students to get a better understanding of their problems with Albert. One interviewee even said: "I always plan my schedule out with multiple options of classes on different days/times because I know I will not get my first choice." This confirmed that many students seem to resonate with the "late enroller" persona, and face similar difficulties.

We discovered that students think the user journey is unclear. Many screens have too many features with their purpose being unclear, causing cognitive overload during an already stressful time. We interviewed 10 NYU students to get a better understanding of their problems with Albert. One interviewee even said: "I always plan my schedule out with multiple options of classes on different days/times because I know I will not get my first choice." This confirmed that many students seem to resonate with the "late enroller" persona, and face similar difficulties.

Competitive Analysis

Competitive Analysis

To understand the pains and gains of other tools with the similar goals, we looked at Georgia Tech and UC Berkeley’s scheduling websites

To understand the pains and gains of other tools with the similar goals, we looked at Georgia Tech and UC Berkeley’s scheduling websites

To understand the pains and gains of other tools with the similar goals, we looked at Georgia Tech and UC Berkeley’s scheduling websites

To understand the pains and gains of other tools with the similar goals, we looked at Georgia Tech and UC Berkeley’s scheduling websites

We found that Georgia Tech’s website does not allow you to save your favorite schedules and identifying a specific schedule is unclear. In Berkeley’s website, the user flow was not smooth and forced users to constant go back and forth between different pages to create changes to their courses.

We found that Georgia Tech’s website does not allow you to save your favorite schedules and identifying a specific schedule is unclear. In Berkeley’s website, the user flow was not smooth and forced users to constant go back and forth between different pages to create changes to their courses.

We found that Georgia Tech’s website does not allow you to save your favorite schedules and identifying a specific schedule is unclear. In Berkeley’s website, the user flow was not smooth and forced users to constant go back and forth between different pages to create changes to their courses.

We found that Georgia Tech’s website does not allow you to save your favorite schedules and identifying a specific schedule is unclear. In Berkeley’s website, the user flow was not smooth and forced users to constant go back and forth between different pages to create changes to their courses.

Proposed Solution

Proposed Solution

Create a website designed for students to easily explore their desired courses and present various scheduling options

Create a website designed for students to easily explore their desired courses and present various scheduling options

Create a website designed for students to easily explore their desired courses and present various scheduling options

Create a website designed for students to easily explore their desired courses and present various scheduling options

Our website empowers students to effortlessly discover detailed course information and efficiently streamline their scheduling by showcasing a all possible of class combinations. This dynamic platform enables students to swiftly identify the perfect schedule that aligns with their unique needs. Furthermore, the website invites students to explore a diverse range of courses with ease.

Our website empowers students to effortlessly discover detailed course information and efficiently streamline their scheduling by showcasing a all possible of class combinations. This dynamic platform enables students to swiftly identify the perfect schedule that aligns with their unique needs. Furthermore, the website invites students to explore a diverse range of courses with ease.

Our website empowers students to effortlessly discover detailed course information and efficiently streamline their scheduling by showcasing a all possible of class combinations. This dynamic platform enables students to swiftly identify the perfect schedule that aligns with their unique needs. Furthermore, the website invites students to explore a diverse range of courses with ease.

Our website empowers students to effortlessly discover detailed course information and efficiently streamline their scheduling by showcasing a all possible of class combinations. This dynamic platform enables students to swiftly identify the perfect schedule that aligns with their unique needs. Furthermore, the website invites students to explore a diverse range of courses with ease.

Design Principles

Design Principles

Aside from functionality we wanted to adhere to a few design constraints during the project with the users in mind

Aside from functionality we wanted to adhere to a few design constraints during the project with the users in mind

Aside from functionality we wanted to adhere to a few design constraints during the project with the users in mind

Aside from functionality we wanted to adhere to a few design constraints during the project with the users in mind

These design principles were chosen to create a delightful experience that entices users to continue using the website due to its easy-to-use nature.

These design principles were chosen to create a delightful experience that entices users to continue using the website due to its easy-to-use nature.

These design principles were chosen to create a delightful experience that entices users to continue using the website due to its easy-to-use nature.

These design principles were chosen to create a delightful experience that entices users to continue using the website due to its easy-to-use nature.

Mapping User Flows

Mapping User Flows

I mapped out each screen to analyze user flows and identify the most efficient path

I mapped out each screen to analyze user flows and identify the most efficient path

I mapped out each screen to analyze user flows and identify the most efficient path

I mapped out each screen to analyze user flows and identify the most efficient path

Considering research from other schools’ websites and user interviews I was able to understand the ways that users interact with scheduling websites and determined the optimal flow to address user pain points

Considering research from other schools’ websites and user interviews I was able to understand the ways that users interact with scheduling websites and determined the optimal flow to address user pain points

Considering research from other schools’ websites and user interviews I was able to understand the ways that users interact with scheduling websites and determined the optimal flow to address user pain points

Considering research from other schools’ websites and user interviews I was able to understand the ways that users interact with scheduling websites and determined the optimal flow to address user pain points

Brainstorming & Early Process

Brainstorming & Early Process

I came up with a few iterations of the possible site and learned a few things from peer feedback

I came up with a few iterations of the possible site and learned a few things from peer feedback

I came up with a few iterations of the possible site and learned a few things from peer feedback

I came up with a few iterations of the possible site and learned a few things from peer feedback

The old Albert made multiple different pages for each school and subject, and within these pages was tons of information. I simplified finding information by creating a static navigation system on the left side of the screen while the right side showed users class section, professor, status, and time -- creating quicker task completion of finding and adding courses.

The old Albert made multiple different pages for each school and subject, and within these pages was tons of information. I simplified finding information by creating a static navigation system on the left side of the screen while the right side showed users class section, professor, status, and time -- creating quicker task completion of finding and adding courses.

The old Albert made multiple different pages for each school and subject, and within these pages was tons of information. I simplified finding information by creating a static navigation system on the left side of the screen while the right side showed users class section, professor, status, and time -- creating quicker task completion of finding and adding courses.

The old Albert made multiple different pages for each school and subject, and within these pages was tons of information. I simplified finding information by creating a static navigation system on the left side of the screen while the right side showed users class section, professor, status, and time -- creating quicker task completion of finding and adding courses.

PHASE 1: INTUITVE LAYOUT

PHASE 1: INTUITVE LAYOUT

PHASE 1: INTUITVE LAYOUT

PHASE 1: INTUITVE LAYOUT

I played around with possible layouts of the schedule page, displaying the courses and possible schedules in different ways to make the sections of "Want to take" and "Need to Take" intuitive and easy to edit.

I played around with possible layouts of the schedule page, displaying the courses and possible schedules in different ways to make the sections of "Want to take" and "Need to Take" intuitive and easy to edit.

I played around with possible layouts of the schedule page, displaying the courses and possible schedules in different ways to make the sections of "Want to take" and "Need to Take" intuitive and easy to edit.

I played around with possible layouts of the schedule page, displaying the courses and possible schedules in different ways to make the sections of "Want to take" and "Need to Take" intuitive and easy to edit.

PHASE 2: POSSIBLE UI CHOICES

PHASE 2: POSSIBLE UI CHOICES

PHASE 2: POSSIBLE UI CHOICES

PHASE 2: POSSIBLE UI CHOICES

I prototyped possible UI options for the schedule page, seeing what felt clean and not "information overloading" for users. Additionally, I was able to understand some use-cases for users like disabling certain sections of classes, which I was able to consider and implement into the final version.

I prototyped possible UI options for the schedule page, seeing what felt clean and not "information overloading" for users. Additionally, I was able to understand some use-cases for users like disabling certain sections of classes, which I was able to consider and implement into the final version.

I prototyped possible UI options for the schedule page, seeing what felt clean and not "information overloading" for users. Additionally, I was able to understand some use-cases for users like disabling certain sections of classes, which I was able to consider and implement into the final version.

I prototyped possible UI options for the schedule page, seeing what felt clean and not "information overloading" for users. Additionally, I was able to understand some use-cases for users like disabling certain sections of classes, which I was able to consider and implement into the final version.

PHASE 3: CLASS EXPLORING MADE EFFICIENT

PHASE 3: CLASS EXPLORING MADE EFFICIENT

PHASE 3: CLASS EXPLORING MADE EFFICIENT

PHASE 3: CLASS EXPLORING MADE EFFICIENT

I wanted users to be able to find classes without too many pages and excessive scrolling, so I compacted all the information into a section where users can expand or collapse the sections for more in-depth information.

I wanted users to be able to find classes without too many pages and excessive scrolling, so I compacted all the information into a section where users can expand or collapse the sections for more in-depth information.

I wanted users to be able to find classes without too many pages and excessive scrolling, so I compacted all the information into a section where users can expand or collapse the sections for more in-depth information.

I wanted users to be able to find classes without too many pages and excessive scrolling, so I compacted all the information into a section where users can expand or collapse the sections for more in-depth information.

Easy to Find Classes - Key Feature

Easy to Find Classes - Key Feature

The redesigned explore page enables faster task completion and easier access to essential information by reducing the number of pages users need to visit

The redesigned explore page enables faster task completion and easier access to essential information by reducing the number of pages users need to visit

The redesigned explore page enables faster task completion and easier access to essential information by reducing the number of pages users need to visit

The redesigned explore page enables faster task completion and easier access to essential information by reducing the number of pages users need to visit

The old Albert made multiple different pages for each school and subject, and within these pages was tons of information. I simplified finding information by creating a static navigation system on the left side of the screen while the right side showed users class section, professor, status, and time -- creating quicker task completion of finding and adding courses.

The old Albert made multiple different pages for each school and subject, and within these pages was tons of information. I simplified finding information by creating a static navigation system on the left side of the screen while the right side showed users class section, professor, status, and time -- creating quicker task completion of finding and adding courses.

The old Albert made multiple different pages for each school and subject, and within these pages was tons of information. I simplified finding information by creating a static navigation system on the left side of the screen while the right side showed users class section, professor, status, and time -- creating quicker task completion of finding and adding courses.

The old Albert made multiple different pages for each school and subject, and within these pages was tons of information. I simplified finding information by creating a static navigation system on the left side of the screen while the right side showed users class section, professor, status, and time -- creating quicker task completion of finding and adding courses.

Easy Filter - Key Feature

Easy Filter - Key Feature

Hover preview allows for quick assessment of possible schedule combinations (and trust me, there are a LOT)

Hover preview allows for quick assessment of possible schedule combinations (and trust me, there are a LOT)

Hover preview allows for quick assessment of possible schedule combinations (and trust me, there are a LOT)

Hover preview allows for quick assessment of possible schedule combinations (and trust me, there are a LOT)

Allowing users to specify the number of credits required, along with the essential classes that must be part of every schedule ("Need to Take"), and the optional ones that can be included if space permits ("Want to Take"), are all factos that expand the possibilities for crafting personalized schedules. This feature enables users to save their favorite schedules and customize their names for future enrollment.

Allowing users to specify the number of credits required, along with the essential classes that must be part of every schedule ("Need to Take"), and the optional ones that can be included if space permits ("Want to Take"), are all factos that expand the possibilities for crafting personalized schedules. This feature enables users to save their favorite schedules and customize their names for future enrollment.

Allowing users to specify the number of credits required, along with the essential classes that must be part of every schedule ("Need to Take"), and the optional ones that can be included if space permits ("Want to Take"), are all factos that expand the possibilities for crafting personalized schedules. This feature enables users to save their favorite schedules and customize their names for future enrollment.

Allowing users to specify the number of credits required, along with the essential classes that must be part of every schedule ("Need to Take"), and the optional ones that can be included if space permits ("Want to Take"), are all factos that expand the possibilities for crafting personalized schedules. This feature enables users to save their favorite schedules and customize their names for future enrollment.

Task Completion Feedback - Key Feature

Task Completion Feedback - Key Feature

I was able to use micro-interactions to show users that edits to their schedule were applied on both pages

I was able to use micro-interactions to show users that edits to their schedule were applied on both pages

I was able to use micro-interactions to show users that edits to their schedule were applied on both pages

I was able to use micro-interactions to show users that edits to their schedule were applied on both pages

I was able to create two iterations of my final prototype, one with more creative interactions, and one with simpler interactions. The engaging interactions prototype allowed users to feel a sense of reassurance that courses were successfully added on the "Schedule" page (shown below).

I was able to create two iterations of my final prototype, one with more creative interactions, and one with simpler interactions. The engaging interactions prototype allowed users to feel a sense of reassurance that courses were successfully added on the "Schedule" page (shown below).

I was able to create two iterations of my final prototype, one with more creative interactions, and one with simpler interactions. The engaging interactions prototype allowed users to feel a sense of reassurance that courses were successfully added on the "Schedule" page (shown below).

I was able to create two iterations of my final prototype, one with more creative interactions, and one with simpler interactions. The engaging interactions prototype allowed users to feel a sense of reassurance that courses were successfully added on the "Schedule" page (shown below).

Our Final Fixes

Our Final Fixes

Ultimately, I was able to create a website that allows students to quickly discover new courses and create schedules without time conflicts

Ultimately, I was able to create a website that allows students to quickly discover new courses and create schedules without time conflicts

Ultimately, I was able to create a website that allows students to quickly discover new courses and create schedules without time conflicts

Ultimately, I was able to create a website that allows students to quickly discover new courses and create schedules without time conflicts

The MVP

The MVP

In the end, I was able to ship my project and live test the final product with students

In the end, I was able to ship my project and live test the final product with students

In the end, I was able to ship my project and live test the final product with students

In the end, I was able to ship my project and live test the final product with students

Due to being able to create the MVP with my developer, I recieved feedback from my peers and teachers. A lot of them asked if it was possible to have a feature that tracks your credits depending on your major, which I think would be a fun challenge to ideate solutions for. Another note they gave me was possibly linking rate my professor information to the website, which would enable students to do less independent research

Due to being able to create the MVP with my developer, I recieved feedback from my peers and teachers. A lot of them asked if it was possible to have a feature that tracks your credits depending on your major, which I think would be a fun challenge to ideate solutions for. Another note they gave me was possibly linking rate my professor information to the website, which would enable students to do less independent research

Due to being able to create the MVP with my developer, I recieved feedback from my peers and teachers. A lot of them asked if it was possible to have a feature that tracks your credits depending on your major, which I think would be a fun challenge to ideate solutions for. Another note they gave me was possibly linking rate my professor information to the website, which would enable students to do less independent research

Due to being able to create the MVP with my developer, I recieved feedback from my peers and teachers. A lot of them asked if it was possible to have a feature that tracks your credits depending on your major, which I think would be a fun challenge to ideate solutions for. Another note they gave me was possibly linking rate my professor information to the website, which would enable students to do less independent research