Unifying Excellence: merging KAUST's Admission and VSRP websites
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) enlisted Spinbox to design and build a new website for its Admissions and Student Recruitment (ASR) department. This project involved merging the existing Admissions and VSRP (Visiting Students Research Programs) websites into a single, cohesive platform.
The ASR website is intended to serve as a comprehensive resource for prospective students, providing them with all the necessary information to apply to KAUST, as well as showcasing the university's facilities and lifestyle.
Crafting the Future: innovative design and seamless integration
Spinbox designed and developed the new ASR website using Sitefinity CMS version 14.3. The project was executed in multiple phases, encompassing both design and technical integration:
Design Phase:
- Created wireframes and mock-ups using Adobe XD, aligning with KAUST’s new branding guidelines and visual identity
- Incorporated high-quality imagery from the KAUST campus, emphasising the university’s natural surroundings and modern facilities
- Ensured the design adhered to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1), guaranteeing usability for all prospective students
- Included key features such as enhanced search functionality, an embedded application form, a chatbot widget, and an interactive virtual tour of the campus
Development Phase:
- Built a custom Sitefinity CMS solution to manage content efficiently and support dynamic features like personalised content based on the user’s location
- Integrated SEO best practices, ensuring the site met Google Search Console specifications and achieved high performance scores on Core Web Vitals
- Developed modular, customisable widgets for various content types, enabling KAUST to easily update and maintain the site
- Implemented robust search functionality that allows users to search by interests and receive recommended programs and faculty members
- Created a project submission and management module to facilitate the transition of the VSRP website content into the new ASR platform
Content Integration:
- Migrated relevant content from the old Admissions and VSRP websites to the new ASR site, updating and enhancing it where necessary
- Developed new content sections, such as current student and alumni stories, detailed admissions pages, and comprehensive information on research facilities, student accommodation, and wellbeing services
Enhanced Engagement: driving applications with user-centric design
The new ASR website successfully merged the Admissions and VSRP websites into a single, user-friendly platform that meets KAUST’s business objectives and supports its recruitment goals. The key outcomes of this project include:
- Improved User Experience:
- The website now serves as a single point of truth for prospective students, providing all necessary information in one place.
- Enhanced navigation and search capabilities make it easy for users to find information quickly and efficiently, reducing bounce rates and increasing engagement.
- Increased Applications and Enquiries:
- Clear calls to action, such as ‘Apply’ and ‘Enquire’, are prominently featured throughout the site, guiding prospective students towards the application process.
- The site’s design and content showcase KAUST’s key selling points effectively, resulting in higher user retention and more applications.
- Operational Efficiency:
- The new CMS and content management capabilities have reduced the administrative burden on the ASR team, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives.
- The ability to target content based on the user’s location has personalised the user experience, making the information more relevant and engaging.
The ASR website project exemplifies Spinbox’s expertise in creating user-centric, technically-robust websites that drive engagement and achieve business objectives. By combining innovative design with powerful functionality, Spinbox has delivered a platform that not only meets KAUST’s needs but also sets a new standard for university recruitment website.
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