Project Overview

Research environment: An edutech client of Nabler (Wiley) hired Nabler (and my research team of three researchers that I was leading) to determine a portion of the discoverability of the higher education admissions process.
Objective: Confirm data from the initial tree test through a summative test and:
Utilize new users from different demographics to triangulate data.
Determine the opportunities to improve navigation and discoverability.
Determine if the information architecture (IA) matches user expectations.

Research Approach

Method: Conduct a summative tree test using Optimal Workshop (OW). Optimal workshop tree tests produce diagrams which show user flows (see below).
Challenge: was reconciling conflicting data between the second tree test and the initial test,
The report provides details on percentage variations. but the differences were determined to be statistically insignificant.
Impact: By confirming insights from the initial tree test, we provided design recommendations to the client and offered guidance for future studies, resulting in improved wayfinding.

Determined a better path for a portion of admissions, particularly by allowing users to more easily find tuition information.
Changed the name of "Events" to "Virtual Admissions Events" (content testing)
Removed the admissions process from the Apply to page to a more visible area of the website.