Academia
Our experience working across the academic sector has given us a strong understanding of the challenges faced by universities and education providers. We create clear, user-focused digital experiences that support complex audiences, services and information needs.
Academia and Make it Clear
Understanding your challenges
Varied audiences
Large and complex content estates
Balancing organisational and user needs
Understanding your needs
Our experience across the academic sector means we understand many of the common challenges universities and education providers face, as well as the opportunities to improve digital experiences. However, every institution has its own audiences, priorities and ways of working, so our process always begins by understanding your organisation, your users and what you need to achieve.
Example relevant services
Information architecture
Wireframing and prototyping
User research
How we work
Our core specialisms are consultancy and research, UX/UI, and brand and design. We design in-house and have a multidisciplinary team of designers, strategists and artworkers. We pride ourselves in working in an iterative, transparent and friendly way and encourage collaboration with your team throughout the process. As a result, we’ve developed longstanding experience and relationships with our clients across industries, supporting B2B/B2C companies, commerce and service-led platforms.
Why choose Make it Clear
We’ve had over 20 years to master our craft. That’s how we know that however complex your challenge is; we can find ways to communicate your messages, streamline your services and deliver an exceptional experience. We build from a foundation of understanding your business and your audiences, tailoring our approach to suit your needs and objectives.
FAQs
How can academic institutions improve the user experience of their websites?
By designing around user needs, simplifying key journeys and testing regularly with real users. Clear content, intuitive navigation and accessible design all contribute to a better experience.
How can academic institutions improve website accessibility and meet WCAG standards?
Accessibility should be considered throughout design, content and development. Regular audits, user testing and following WCAG guidance can help identify barriers and improve access for all users.
How can academic institutions manage complex content and information architecture?
By creating a clear structure, defining content ownership and regularly reviewing what is published. Research methods such as card sorting and tree testing can also help validate how information should be organised.
How can universities and academic organisations create a consistent digital experience across multiple websites and platforms?
How can user research help academic institutions improve their digital services?
User research provides evidence about how people behave, what they need and where they experience difficulties. These insights can help teams make more informed design and content decisions.
How can universities improve the digital experience for prospective students and other audiences?
Start by understanding the different needs of each audience. Research can help identify their priorities, allowing institutions to create clearer journeys, more relevant content and better signposting.
How can universities make complex websites easier to navigate?
A clear information architecture is key. Grouping content logically, using familiar labels and prioritising common tasks can help users find what they need more quickly.
