The Port Interface Research

Role: Lead UI/UX Researcher
Timeline: February ’25 – May ‘25
Tools: Microsoft Forms
Team: Team of three, including Melanie Severson and Katie Schurter

Project Overview: Conducted a user interface research project with a team of three to evaluate and improve usability on the university’s internal site, The Port.

·       Led a 3-person research team to analyze usability and visual issues on The Port, the student portal at Franciscan University

·       Created and distributed a Microsoft Forms survey to gather feedback from over 30 students and professors within the business department

o   Goal given to us was between 5-20

·       Collected and analyzed both qualitative data to identify the pain points in The Port’s navigation, layout, brand, and accessibility

·       Merged findings into user insights and common likes/frustrations

·       Created a research report with recommendations for improving user experience from surveys, including but not limited to: multi-browser/device responsiveness, various menu options, and better student/faculty communication options

·       Presented findings to head UI designers and received positive feedback on communication clarity and actionable insights and recommendations

Class standing

Navigation of The Port

What changes to The Port interface did you notice

Here are a few examples of questions my team and I presented to the interviewers. From the information given to us from the UI/UX designers who work on the school website, we were able to successfully share the form to 35 students and faculty in the business department. We learned of bugs, unusable buttons or hard to use parts of the newer and revised designs, including uneven branding to Franciscan, difficult search bars, lack of easy communication to professors and staff, and more. This research was used to further the on brand, accessible, and comfortable usability for the students and professors who use this site everyday.