User-Centered Development of an Academic Content Website
TL;DR
It is concluded that simple language, predictable structure, and iterative feedback can significantly improve usability, maintainability, and trust in content-heavy educational websites across diverse institutional contexts.
Abstract
This article focus on the user-centered redevelopment of an academic content website designed to help students, instructors, and administrative users find course information quickly and confidently. A mixed-method evaluation compared an earlier version with a standardized, template-based redesign emphasizing clear information architecture, consistent section order, lightweight interactions, accessibility, and mobile responsiveness. Seventy-two participants completed realistic tasks on desktop and mobile devices; metrics included task completion, mean task time, navigation errors, and perceived ease of use, supported by open comments. Results showed substantial gains after redevelopment: completion rose from 76% to 92%, average task time fell from 4.8 to 2.9 minutes, navigation errors dropped by 41%, and positive ease-of-use responses increased from 61% to 88%. Qualitative feedback highlighted improved confidence, faster scanning, and better cross-page consistency. The study concludes that simple language, predictable structure, and iterative feedback can significantly improve usability, maintainability, and trust in content-heavy educational websites across diverse institutional contexts.