CSU Mobile App
Project
Designed and launched the Chico State Campus Mobile App, to enhance current and prospective student engagement, while maintaining alignment with Chico State's brand identity.
Built on the MODO Labs development platform, the app delivers a seamless user experience by providing centralized access to academic resources, promoting campus-wide events, and ensuring timely delivery of important announcements.
This project balanced strategic design and functional efficiency to strengthen campus connections and elevate the university's digital presence.
Challenges
During Phase 1, my team initially aimed to streamline development by linking to existing internal sites rather than building screens from scratch.
However, this approach revealed significant challenges, including compatibility issues, scalability limitations, and inconsistent user experiences compared to Chico State’s website.
These hurdles prompted a shift in strategy, where I refocused efforts on creating templated screen builds to ensure consistency and efficiency. By identifying and addressing these early obstacles, I developed a checklist to guide decisions between building new screens or leveraging existing content, ultimately reducing costs and streamlining the app's development process.
Solution
To address these challenges, I developed a series of consistent, brand-aligned templates for key app screens, including persona selectors, landing pages, and secondary menus. These templates not only resolved compatibility and scalability issues but also established a foundation for long-term development.
By creating a streamlined and cohesive design system, I ensured future maintainers could expand the app while preserving its strategic alignment and user experience. This work laid the groundwork for subsequent phases, enabling a smooth transition to the next team.
The Work
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![Pie chart displaying surveyed student results.]()
Surveying 50+ campus students provided key insights into user needs, shaping content prioritization and improving the overall user experience.
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![A visual representation of the design process.]()
The design process began with a detailed content plan, evolved through iterative wireframes, and culminated in high-fidelity designs that brought clarity and usability to the forefront.
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![Low-fidelity wireframes that outline mobile screens for a university application.]()
Developing low-fidelity wireframes early in the design phase helped reduce costs and establish a clear roadmap, aligning user needs with business objectives.
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![Four different iterations for campus dining mobile app screen.]()
Through multiple design iterations, we enhanced the user experience by optimizing iconography and structuring information hierarchies to improve functionality and clarity.
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![Screen templates showcasing a consistent layout for future development teams.]()
To ensure a seamless handoff, we developed reusable screen templates that establish consistent layouts and design patterns, providing future teams with a reliable foundation for continued development.
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![Two mobile screens displaying the Chico State app.]()
These high-fidelity screens highlight the final Chico State mobile app design, featuring a persona selector for tailored experiences and streamlined navigation for current and future students.
