MĀNOA NOW • UX LEAD • APP REDESIGN
UH Mānoa's Essential Student App
UH Mānoa's Essential Student App
ROLE
ROLE
UX Design Lead
UX Design Lead
Team
Team
1 UX/UI design lead
2 UI designers
1 Team lead
2 Developers
1 UX/UI design lead
2 UI designers
1 Team lead
2 Developers
TIMELINE
TIMELINE
Mar 2026 → Now
Mar 2026 → Now
Tools
Tools
Figma
Figma
Codex
Codex
Adobe Suite
Adobe Suite
THE context
THE context
THE context
Manoa Now is a student-led marketing organization connecting UH Mānoa with the community.
Mānoa Now is a students' all in one essentials app.
Mānoa Now is a students' all in one essentials app.
Manoa Now is a student-led marketing organization that connects UH Mānoa with the Honolulu community through creative teams and programs managed by students.
Manoa Now is a student-led marketing organization that connects UH Mānoa with the Honolulu community through creative teams and programs managed by students.
01 • THE PROBLEM
01 • THE PROBLEM
01 • THE PROBLEM
01 • THE PROBLEM
Users are lost when navigating the existing app & aren't satisfied visually.
Users are lost when navigating the existing app & aren't satisfied visually.
Users are lost navigating the existing app & aren't satisfied visually.
Users are lost when navigating the existing app & aren't satisfied visually.
The app has unclear user flows, lack of info architecture, & blocky outdated visuals.
The app has unclear user flows, lack of info architecture, & blocky outdated visuals.
The app has unclear user flows, lack of info architecture, & blocky outdated visuals.
I discovered this problem by conducting a survey & user testing
I discovered this problem by conducting a survey & user testing
I discovered this problem by conducting a survey & user testing
I conducted a survey with 36 respondents to evaluate the old Mānoa Now app. Among 36 respondents, clarity and accessibility rated highest. Motivation and overall satisfaction exposed the strongest redesign opportunity.
I made a survey w/ 36 respondents evaluating the old Mānoa Now app.
• Clarity rated highest
• Motivation & overall satisfaction exposed the strongest redesign opportunity.
I conducted a survey with 38 respondents to evaluate the old Mānoa Now app. Clarity rated highest. Motivation & overall satisfaction exposed the strongest redesign opportunity.
I then used Codex to analyze the data from the survey and give me a detailed HTML site to report the findings.
I then used Codex to analyze the data from the survey and give me a detailed HTML site to report the findings.
I then used Codex to analyze the data from the survey and give me a detailed HTML site to report the findings.
I then used Codex to analyze the data from the survey and give me a detailed HTML site to report the findings.
Clear
Clear
Clear
63%
63%
63%
Accessible
Accessible
Accessible
61%
61%
61%
Intuitive
Intuitive
Intuitive
53%
53%
53%
Motivation to Continue Use
Motivation to Continue Use
Motivation
32%
32%
32%
Engaging
Engaging
Engaging
39%
39%
39%
Overall satisfaction
Overall satisfaction
Satisfaction
37%
37%
37%
Shown here is the percentage of positive reactions (agree, strongly agree) with these factors.
Shown here is the percentage of positive reactions (agree, strongly agree) with these factors.
Shown here is the percentage of positive reactions (agree, strongly agree) with these factors.
Shown is the % of positive reactions (agree, strongly agree) w/ these factors.
USER TESTER 1
USER TESTER 1
"I deleted the old app because I was so confused and also because I didn't think any of the features were useful."
"I deleted the old app because I was so confused and also because I didn't think any of the features were useful."
USER TESTER 2
USER TESTER 2
"Why does it take so long to load" "What is this is it just a picture?" (Deals section)
"Why does it take so long to load" "What is this is it just a picture?" (Deals section)
"Why does it take so long to load" "What is this is it just a picture?" (Deals)
USER TESTER 3
USER TESTER 3
"It’ll have a picture and I don’t understand what I’m clicking onto" / "I thought it would be a better campus map than the one on Apple maps"
"It’ll have a picture and I don’t understand what I’m clicking onto" / "I thought it would be a better campus map than the one on Apple maps"
To gather more research, I conducted user testing to see how users naturally interact with the app.
To gather more research, I conducted user testing to see how users naturally interact with the app.
Let's gather this data and see recurring patterns for improvement
Let's gather this data and see recurring patterns for improvement
I created an affinity map to sift through qualitative user feedback and highlight pain points identified by users. I noticed that many users were struggling with navigation and clarity in the interface, along with blocky visuals.
I made a survey w/ 36 respondents evaluating the old Mānoa Now app.
• Clarity rated highest
• Motivation & overall satisfaction exposed the strongest redesign opportunity.
I created an affinity map to sift through qualitative user feedback and highlight pain points.
I noticed that many users were struggling with navigation and clarity in the interface, along with blocky visuals.
USER TESTER 1
"I deleted the old app because I was so confused and also because I didn't think any of the features were useful."
USER TESTER 2
"It’ll have a picture and I don’t understand what I’m clicking onto" / "I thought it would be a better campus map than the one on Apple maps"
USER TESTER 3
"Why does it take so long to load" "What is this is it just a picture?" (Deals section)
To gather more research due to results from my survey being quite equal, I conducted user testing. This gave me strong insight into the app.
02 • The solution
Design a new clear, accessible, & satisfying student essentials app
IMPACT (SO FAR)
01 — Gathered survey data from 38 responses, 3 user tests, & audited competitor apps to gain key insights into app features & design choices
02 — From 3 user testings so far, they found the app more intuitive, useful, and clear
03 — Organized campus content so students could more easily find events, dining, facilities, and other key resources.
02 • The solution
02 • The solution
Design a new clear, accessible, & satisfying student essentials app
Design a new clear, accessible, & satisfying student essentials app
Design a new clear, accessible, & satisfying student essentials app
IMPACT (SO FAR)
IMPACT (SO FAR)
01 — Gathered survey data from 38 responses, 3 user tests, & audited competitor apps to gain key insights into app features & design choices
01 — Gathered survey data, user tests, & audited competitor apps to gain key insights into app features & design choices
02 — From 3 user testings so far, they found the app more intuitive, useful, and clear
02 — From 3 user testings so far, they found the app more intuitive, useful, and clear
02 — From 3 user testings they found the app more intuitive, useful, and clear
03 — Organized campus content so students could more easily find events, dining, facilities, and other key resources.
03 — Organized campus content so students could more easily find events, dining, facilities, and other key resources.
FEATURE 01 • New, professional, and intuitive interface w/ engaging visuals
FEATURE 01 • New, professional, & intuitive interface w/ engaging visuals
FEATURE 01 • New intuitive interface w/ engaging visuals
FEATURE 02 • New map interface w/ the ability to switch between dining, campus facilities, & deals
FEATURE 02 • New map interface w/ switches between dining, facilities, & deal offers
FEATURE 03 • Revamped dining section layout with switch tabs into facilities w/ info popups
FEATURE 03 • Revamped dining section layout with switch btw. facilities
FEATURE 04 • New calendar interface showing events & users bookmarked events
FEATURE 04 • Calendar interface showing events available & letting users see their bookmarked events
FEATURE 04 • New calendar interface showing events & users bookmarked events
FEATURE 04 • New calendar interface showing events & users bookmarked events
FEATURE 05 • Clubs & RIO's section clearly sorted with popups containing info & visuals on each club
FEATURE 05 • Clubs & RIO's section clearly sorted with popup w/ info & visuals
03 • DESIGN PROCESS
03 • DESIGN PROCESS
Researching enough to move with confidence
Researching to move with confidence
Researching enough to move with confidence
I joined in during the mid-design process.
Rather than restarting, I gathered more
information on how to elevate the app.
I joined in during the mid-design process.
Rather than restarting, I gathered more
information on how to elevate the app.
I joined in during the mid-design process. Rather than restarting, I gathered more information on how to elevate the app.
I joined in during the mid-design process. Rather than restarting, I gathered more information on how to elevate the app.
My role
My role
My role
UX/UI Design Lead
UX/UI Design Lead
• Directed the mid-to-end redesign
• Planned the research approach & analyzed data to find user pain points and opportunities
• Regularly oversaw the high-fidelity execution of the design
• Directed the mid-to-end redesign
• Planned the research approach & analyzed data to find user pain points and opportunities
• Regularly oversaw the high-fidelity execution of the design
• Directed the mid-to-end redesign
• Planned the research approach & analyzed data to find user pain points & opportunities
• Regularly oversaw the high-fidelity execution of the design
• Directed the mid-to-end redesign
• Planned the research approach & analyzed data to find user pain points & opportunities
• Regularly oversaw the high-fidelity execution of the design
My UX Design Process
Despite joining mid-project, I always conduct this UX design process to get more data and build informed decisions.
Despite joining mid-project, I always conduct this UX design process to get more data and build informed decisions.
01 / OBSERVE
01 / OBSERVE
01 / OBSERVE
Observations
& Audit
Observation
& Audit
Observation
& Audit
Locate friction and inconsistency
Locate friction & inconsistency
Locate friction and inconsistency
02 / COMPARE
Competitor Audit
Find patterns worth adapting
→
02 / COMPARE
02 / COMPARE
Competitor Audit
Find patterns worth adapting & help users
Find patterns worth adapting & help users
→
03 / EMPATHIZE
03 / EMPATHIZE
03 / EMPATHIZE
User Research
User Research
What are our students saying? How do we help?
What are our students saying?
What are our students saying? How do we help?
04 / MAKE & REFINE
Hi-fi Redesign
Apply insights to existing UI
05 / TESTING
Prototype & Test More
Connect & refining user flows
06 / SHIP
Deliver & Hand Off
Finalizing design then handoff
→
→
→
↓
06 / SHIP
06 / SHIP
Deliver & Hand Off
Documenting, finalizing, & handoff.
Documenting, finalizing, & handoff
←
05 / TESTING
05 / TESTING
Prototype & Test More
Connect & refining user flows, usability tests
Connect & refining user flows, usability tests
←
04 / MAKE & REFINE
04 / MAKE & REFINE
Hi-fi Redesign
Apply insights to existing UI & evaluate
Apply insights to existing UI & evaluate
04 • RESEARCH & SYNTHESIS
04 • RESEARCH & SYNTHESIS
We reviewed current app content, repeated patterns, confusing areas, and shared observations to identify where the product had drifted.
We reviewed current app content, repeated patterns, & clarity issues to see where the product had drifted.
We reviewed current app content, repeated patterns, confusing areas, and shared observations to identify where the product had drifted.
Finding friction in the existing experience & looking for opportunity
Finding friction in the app
Finding friction in the app & looking for opportunity
We reviewed current app content, repeated patterns, confusing areas, and shared observations to identify where the product had drifted.
We reviewed current app content, repeated patterns, confusing areas, and shared observations to identify where the product had drifted.
Conducting a competitor audit on top uni apps
Competitor audit on top uni apps
We proceeded to audit other university apps after to see what works. We audited 3 top performing apps in the market: the ASU app, UTD App, and UNiDAYS
We proceeded to audit other university apps after to see what works. We audited 3 top performing apps in the market: the ASU app, UTD App, and UNiDAYS
We audited other uni apps to see what works. We audited 3 top performing apps in the market: the ASU app, UTD App, and UNiDAYS
05 • (nearly) final design
05 • (nearly) final design
We continued to redesign in hi-fidelity, but I had some suggestions.
We continued to redesign in hi-fidelity, but I had some suggestions.
The product had a semi-established interface, so I focused on key UX suggestions based on the data.
The product had a semi-established interface, so I focused on key UX suggestions based on the data.
The product had a semi-established interface, so I focused on UX suggestions based on data.
How do we make this visually satisfying but also keep the functionality?
How do we make this visually satisfying but also keep the functionality?
Users liked:
• Student essentials being easy access on the main page.
• We kept it & changed it to be professional & minimal.
Users liked:
• Student essentials being easy access on the main page.
• We kept it & changed it to be professional & minimal.
Users liked:
• Student essentials is easy access on the main page
• We kept it & changed it to be professional & minimal
Users liked:
• Student essentials being easy access on the main page
• We kept it & changed it to be professional & minimal
Can we organize Clubs & RIOs in an easily digestable way?
Can we organize Clubs & RIOs in an easily digestable way?
Before, the club sections were large containers and had confusing filters that overwhelmed the users.
Now there is:
• Visual categories at the top
• Search bar & filters (Sort A-Z, Z-A, etc.)
Before, the club sections were large containers and had confusing filters that overwhelmed the users.
Now there is:
• Visual categories at the top
• Search bar & filters (Sort A-Z, Z-A, etc.)
Before, the club sections were large containers and had confusing filters that overwhelmed the users.
Now there is:
• Visual categories at the top
• Search bar & filters (Sort A-Z, Z-A, etc.)
Let's have users customize their event experience
& have easy access to it
Users can:
• Save events
• See the bookmarked events on their calendar
Users can:
• Save events
• See the bookmarked events on their calendar
Users can:
• Save events
• See the bookmarked events on their calendar
Users can now pinpoint certain categories w/ switch tabs
Breaking down areas on campus into key sections helps the user navigate easier & prevent choice fatigue.
"Hotspots" were also implemented to guide the user to the nearest place if they need help.
Breaking down areas on campus into key sections helps the user navigate easier & prevent choice fatigue.
"Hotspots" were also implemented to guide the user to the nearest place if they need help.
Breaking down areas on campus into key sections helps the user navigate easier & prevent choice fatigue.
"Hotspots" were also implemented to guide the user to the nearest place if they need help
Users can find info about both dining & campus facilities now on one page
Having easy access to seeing both dining & facilities on one page streamlines flows for the user.
Having easy access to seeing both dining & facilities on one page streamlines flows for the user.
Having easy access to seeing both dining & facilities on one page streamlines flows for the user.
06 • TESTING & Outcome
06 • TESTING & Outcome
I conducted user testing on Mānoa students to observe user patterns & asked for their feedback.
I conducted user testing on Mānoa students to observe user patterns & asked for their feedback.
A clear and user friendly product for students.
A clear & student friendly product
I am currently conducting user testing on Mānoa students to see how they went through the app & asked for their feedback.
I am currently conducting user testing on Mānoa students to see how they went through the app & asked for their feedback.
USER TESTER 1
USER TESTER 1
"It's intuitive and easy to use. I love that the calendar makes it easy for me as a student to see what's going on on campus."
"It's intuitive and easy to use. I love that the calendar makes it easy for me as a student to see what's going on on campus."
"It's intuitive and easy to use. I love that the calendar makes it easy for me to see what's going on on campus."
USER TESTER 2
USER TESTER 2
"I like how there's events and facilities easily accessible. I never know what's going on on campus."
"I like how there's events and facilities easily accessible. I never know what's going on on campus."
USER TESTER 3
USER TESTER 3
"It's easy to navigate. I like the dining features, it's always hard to find the dining and the hours. It would be useful to search for cuisine, and food items"
"It's easy to navigate. I like the dining features, it's always hard to find the dining and the hours. It would be useful to search for cuisine, and food items"
"It's easy to navigate. I like the dining features, it's always hard to find the dining and the hours.
Users were more satisfied with the app and navigation of user flows when user testing the prototype, and it felt more intuitive to them.
Users were more satisfied with the app and navigation of user flows when user testing the prototype, and it felt more intuitive to them.
NEXT STEPS
NEXT STEPS
01 - Finalize design & prototyping: prepping design for devs
01 - Finalize design & prototyping: prepping design for devs
02 - Working closely with developers to ensure design accuracy & correct user flows
02 - Working closely with developers to ensure design accuracy & correct user flows
03 - Conducting survey on first day of official launch at campus events
03 - Conducting survey on first day of official launch at campus events
Project TAKEAWAY
Project TAKEAWAY
This was the first project where I led and also did this much user research. I felt a stronger sense of certainty in design decisions and leading my team with confidence. It felt great knowing I had confidence in the design, allowing me to experiment more with AI building tools like Codex.
This was the first project where I led and also did this much user research. I felt a stronger sense of certainty in design decisions and leading my team with confidence. It felt great knowing I had confidence in the design, allowing me to experiment more with AI building tools like Codex.
This was the first project where I led and also did this much user research. I felt a stronger sense of certainty in design decisions and leading my team with confidence.
Contact: Laureemytam@gmail.com
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