Case Study: Enhancing the ACCT Education Webinar Platform
The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) is a national nonprofit organization representing over 6,500 trustees who govern more than 1,000 community, technical, and junior colleges. Based in Washington, D.C., ACCT is dedicated to addressing real-world challenges faced by community colleges through advocacy, education, and policy leadership.
ACCT sought to improve its educational webinar platform to better serve its members, including trustees, college leaders, and educators. The objectives included:
To address these challenges, we followed a structured design process:
Through a user-centered design approach, we transformed ACCT’s webinar platform into a powerful tool that supports its mission of empowering community college leaders. The redesigned platform not only improved user satisfaction but also reinforced ACCT’s position as a leader in education and advocacy.
Client Overview
The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) is a national nonprofit organization representing over 6,500 trustees who govern more than 1,000 community, technical, and junior colleges. Based in Washington, D.C., ACCT is dedicated to addressing real-world challenges faced by community colleges through advocacy, education, and policy leadership.
Project Goals
ACCT sought to improve its educational webinar platform to better serve its members, including trustees, college leaders, and educators. The objectives included:
Enhancing the user experience for webinar access and participation.
Simplifying navigation for diverse user groups.
Increasing engagement and attendance through intuitive design.
Ensuring accessibility and compliance with web standards.
Challenges Identified
Complex Navigation: The previous platform had a cluttered interface, making it difficult for users to find and join webinars.
Limited Accessibility: The platform did not fully meet accessibility standards, limiting usability for individuals with disabilities.
Low Engagement: Users reported difficulty in interacting with features such as Q&A, polls, and resource downloads during webinars.
Our Approach
To address these challenges, we followed a structured design process:
User Research:
Conducted interviews with ACCT members to understand their pain points and expectations.
Analyzed user behavior on the existing platform to identify bottlenecks.
Wireframes & Prototypes:
Designed wireframes focusing on simplifying navigation and improving the webinar registration process.
Created interactive prototypes to test features like live chat, resource sharing, and accessibility tools.
Accessibility Compliance:
Implemented WCAG 2.1 standards to ensure inclusivity for all users.
Added features like keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and adjustable text sizes.
Visual Design:
Developed a clean, modern interface aligned with ACCT’s branding.
Used a color palette and typography that enhanced readability and professionalism.
Testing & Iteration:
Conducted usability testing with a diverse group of ACCT members.
Iterated on feedback to refine the platform’s functionality and design.
Results
Improved Engagement: Webinar attendance increased by 35% within the first quarter of the platform’s launch.
Enhanced Accessibility: Achieved full compliance with WCAG 2.1, making the platform usable for all members.
Streamlined Experience: 90% of surveyed users reported a significant improvement in navigation and overall usability.
Key Features Delivered
Intuitive dashboard for webinar discovery and registration.
Integrated tools for live Q&A, polling, and resource sharing.
Accessibility options, including text resizing and high-contrast modes.
Mobile-friendly design for on-the-go access.
Conclusion
Through a user-centered design approach, we transformed ACCT’s webinar platform into a powerful tool that supports its mission of empowering community college leaders. The redesigned platform not only improved user satisfaction but also reinforced ACCT’s position as a leader in education and advocacy.