The Role of UX Design in Higher Education

User experience (UX) design focuses on creating user-friendly experiences that meet people where they are. Digital learning environments and hybrid classrooms have become more common in higher education, making UX essential for institutions to effectively reach and engage students, faculty, and staff across campus and across the globe. 

Even before COVID-19 accelerated the shift toward more inclusive learning options, digital learning environments (DLEs) were already on the rise, particularly in higher education. DLEs are ecosystems of online tools and resources that facilitate learning and include a variety of platforms and applications, such as:

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Platforms like Canvas and Blackboard provide a centralized hub for communication between students and teachers regarding course materials, assignments, and grades.
• Virtual Classrooms: Video conferencing tools – Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet – enable real-time interaction between students and educators, supporting both online and hybrid learning formats.
• Online Course Platforms: Websites like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, Skillshare, and Udemy provide academic courses and skills from various educators.
• Collaborative Tools: Suites, such as Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, streamline collaboration among groups.

Digital platforms provide students with flexible access to educational resources, especially in online and hybrid learning environments. These platforms directly impact user experience, influencing student satisfaction and retention.

Generations Z and Alpha, having grown up with constant technological advancements, expect seamless, efficient digital interactions. When a university’s technology feels outdated or clunky, students may perceive it as a sign that the institution is falling behind, potentially driving them to seek alternatives that better meet their expectations – ultimately affecting enrollment and retention rates.

Strong UX design can attract and retain students. When prospective and current students, parents, faculty, and staff have positive interactions with a university’s digital platforms, they are more likely to feel supported and engaged. Features like integrated portals, accessible digital touchpoints, and interactive websites contribute to a more seamless experience, leading to higher satisfaction and a stronger institutional reputation.

Taking UX into account when designing or enhancing current systems is critical in higher education to develop more intuitive and effective digital experiences. A UX designer can guide institutions to actively involve students, faculty, and staff in UX exercises – such as user journey mapping and workshops – gaining valuable insights into how users navigate systems and processes. This collaborative approach informs design decisions and user flows, creating a more consistent and seamless user experience.

Beyond improving usability, engaging diverse campus communities fosters a sense of ownership and advocacy. When users feel heard and included in the design process, they are more likely to adopt, promote, and positively interact with the platform. This inclusivity also enhances accessibility, ensuring the platform meets the diverse needs of the entire institution.

Some of these key inclusion areas are:

• University and college websites
• Admission processes
• LMS
• Student and staff/faculty portals

As AI-driven personalization rapidly expands across industries, including higher education, the role of UX designers is more crucial than ever. While AI enhances experiences, it isn’t perfect – human-driven design remains essential to ensure intuitive user flows and clear information architectures.

In higher education, UX designers help craft seamless digital experiences for students, faculty, and staff across all touchpoints, both on and off campus. By integrating UX professionals into decision-making and design processes, institutions can drive continuous improvements that enhance usability, foster engagement, and provide lasting value within their communities – and beyond.