Idaho State University Offerings, Affordability, and User Experience

Idaho State University (ISU) provides a range of academic programs and degrees, catering to diverse student interests and career goals. The website highlights new degree programs and the university's comprehensive offerings, which is beneficial for prospective students looking for varied academic options. However, the site lacks detailed information about specific academic programs and their affordability, which can be a significant drawback for applicants trying to make informed decisions.

Academic Programs

ISU offers a variety of degree programs, which are periodically updated to include new and relevant fields of study. This ensures that the university remains competitive and aligned with current educational trends. However, the website does not provide in-depth details about these programs, making it challenging for students to understand the full scope and benefits of each offering.

Affordability

While the website mentions the availability of financial aid and scholarships, it does not provide comprehensive information on the cost of attendance or detailed financial aid options. This lack of transparency can be a barrier for students who need to plan their finances carefully before applying.

UX/UI Review

Advantages

• Clear Information on Campus Life: The website offers clear and concise information about campus life, which is crucial for students to get a sense of the university environment and culture.
• Personalized Campus Visits: Prospective students can easily find information about personalized campus visits, helping them to experience the campus firsthand before making a decision.

 Disadvantages

• Limited Navigation Options: The website has limited navigation options for exploring different departments and courses, which can make it difficult for users to find specific information.
• Inadequate Visual Hierarchy: The homepage lacks a well-organized visual hierarchy, making it hard for users to prioritize essential information.
• Lack of Detailed Program Information: There is a noticeable absence of detailed information about academic programs and their affordability, which is a critical factor for prospective students.

Recommendations for Improving

• Enhance Navigation Menu: Improve the navigation menu to provide easy access to academic programs, admissions, and financial aid information. This will help users find the information they need more efficiently.
• Implement Intuitive Search Function: Introduce a more intuitive search function that allows prospective students to find specific details about courses and programs quickly.
• Improve Visual Hierarchy and Layout: Redesign the homepage to improve the visual hierarchy and layout, ensuring that essential information is prioritized and easily accessible for potential applicants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Idaho State University's website has several strengths, including clear information about campus life and personalized campus visits. However, it also has notable weaknesses, such as limited navigation options, inadequate visual hierarchy, and a lack of detailed information about academic programs and affordability. By enhancing the navigation menu, implementing a more intuitive search function, and improving the visual hierarchy and layout, the university can significantly improve the user experience for prospective students. Balancing these pros and cons is essential for applicants considering ISU, as the website plays a crucial role in their decision-making process.