Atlas

Atlas is a web application that displays current and historic data about the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor campus curriculum to inform U-M students, instructors, and staff in decision-making.

As lead designer on this project, I conducted user research, visual design prototypes and assets, and was responsible for assisting and implementing the front-end code (HTML/LESS/CSS/Vue.Js). Over 3 years, I developed a new brand identity, data visualizations, new pages and features, and overhauled the information architecture to be less search based and more discoverable. The most notable features we developed was a custom schedule builder that had over 2 million interactions by students in the first few weeks after launch.

Development process typically included discovery research, ideation, prototyping, testing, building. Repeated steps as necessary.

Our Problem Space:

Help students with the decision making process when evaluating and building their academic schedule.

Key Details

• Lead UX Designer working with application architect, software developers, stakeholders, and overseeing design student fellows

• 3 Years (Continuous 3-month agile product development cycles)

• Product Design, Web Application, Data Visualization, Research, Facilitation, Branding, Prototyping, Front-end Development

High Impact Initiatives Completed

• Identity and design system

• Incorporated personalized dashboard for new and existing users

• Updated information architecture to improve site discoverability and user experience

• Developed an academic schedule building tool from initial research to 2.0 version

• Data visualization for new and existing audiences (faculty, students, admin)

• Increased user engagement:

  • Unique Users Per Year

    • 2021 / 50k - Schedule Builder introduced

    • 2020 / 35k - Personalization introduced

    • 2019 / 34k - Design system introduced

    • 2018 / 26k

  • Unique Page Views Per Year

    • 2021 / 6.2 million - Schedule Builder introduced

    • 2020 / 3.5 million - Personalization introduced

    • 2019 / 2.5 million - Design system introduced

    • 2018 / 1.4 million