Bridging the gap between students and companies
To bridge the gap between students and businesses, I designed a new website for Excelerate focused on user-centered solutions. The process involved multiple design iterations and collaborative workshops, leading to the successful launch of the website in September 2024.
The Problem
One major challenge was retaining all functionalities of Excelerate's existing website while adding new features and a fresh visual identity. The site has over 25 pages, including sections for job searching, matching, and study discounts. Some key challenges included:
Get users to create a account: On Excelerate's former website, there was a lack of nudging users into creating a account on their SaaS platform.
Complex tasks made simple: The website was meant to contain parts that mostly correlates with job searching platforms, where users can find thesis projects, student jobs, internships and graduate programs.
Approach
Excelerate required more features on their new website than on the previous one, prompting me to approach the project in several ways:
Design Workshops: I conducted small design workshops with Excelerate colleagues to discuss desired features and the visual profile.
Design Iterations: I initiated multiple design iterations from the start for each page, ensuring consensus across all areas of the company.
Results
The launch was well-received by both Excelerate users and stakeholders, marking a successful transition to the new platform.
Wide Range of Opportunities: Excelerate has expanded beyond just offering thesis projects. The platform now includes a broader range of opportunities, allowing users to search for student jobs, internships, and graduate positions, making it a more comprehensive resource for students and graduates.
Positive Feedback: Stakeholders were particularly pleased with the fresh visual identity and the new feature that allows companies to create a unique branding profile. This enhancement makes it easier for them to connect with and attract top talent, aligning with their recruitment needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Excelerate website redesign successfully enhanced functionality and introduced a fresh visual identity. By collaborating with stakeholders and iterating on designs, the platform now offers a more comprehensive user experience, simplifying job search tasks and encouraging account creation. Key features, like company branding profiles, received positive feedback, aligning with recruitment goals and positioning Excelerate as a leading resource for students and graduates.
