A key part of our 2030 digital strategy is to put users at the heart of everything we do through using data and user insight to make decisions. Our team of User Experience (UX) Researchers collaborate with our users to enable us to gather this insight. Read this blog to hear about the latest student workshop conducted by our UX Researchers, aiming to delve deeper into the student experience at Exeter.
Running the workshop
In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, understanding the complexities of our students’ lives is vital for creating experiences which resonate with their needs and ambitions. Running user research sessions with our students provides a lens into their weekly routines, shedding light on their activities and uncovering the most impactful aspects of their journeys at Exeter.
To gain insight, our Research team engaged with a group of Exeter students to explore a typical week in their life, delving into the diverse activities that shape their academic, social and personal lives. From attending lectures and studying in the library, to participating in extracurricular activities and navigating the challenges of daily life, each student’s week is a mosaic of experiences. Furthermore, our Research team explored the weeks most impactful activities according to students to better understand our students’ priorities and how their weekly activities shape their satisfaction and success.
Key findings
One key finding was the multifaceted nature of an Exeter students’ week. It’s not just about attending classes and completing assignments; it’s a delicate balance of academic pursuits, social interactions, personal growth and self-care.
Among the kaleidoscope of experiences, certain activities stand out as particularly impactful in shaping students’ journeys. 37% of students who attended the workshop mentioned academic commitments such as attending lectures and seminars, studying, and completing assignments as the most impactful weekly activities. However, these impactful activities are not limited to academic commitments. Students also cited grocery shopping, contacting family, and sports and exercise, among other things, as the most impactful of their weekly activities.
Whats next?
Moving forward, the findings from this user research will act as a compass for future efforts. The insight gained is the basis for more in-depth studies, helping researchers dive deeper into the most impactful areas for students.
Running user research with our students is an invaluable endeavour for unravelling the complexities of their weekly routines and identifying the most impactful parts of their experiences at the University. This knowledge facilitates a student-centric approach that recognises and addresses their diverse needs, ultimately contributing to a more enriching and fulfilling university experience.
If you’re a University of Exeter student and you’d like to be involved in our team’s future research activities, please sign up using this form.
– Written by Callum Downes, UX Researcher for Digital
To learn more about our user led approach to our work and our goals, take a look at our 2030 digital strategy here. Get in touch if you want to learn more.