GradConnector
Tackling the fragmented, outdated processes of graduate education by connecting students, universities, and employers in one seamless platform.
Overview
GradConnector is a digital platform designed to streamline the graduate education ecosystem by connecting learners, universities, and employers. It provides a comprehensive, one-stop solution that supports every stage of the graduate journey.
My goal was to create an experience that not only simplifies complex processes but also brings more equity and transparency to how students and institutions connect.
Student and institution dashboards
Student Experience
Graduate students often struggle to find tools that truly support them from consideration to graduation. Existing systems are fragmented and outdated, making it difficult to present their skills effectively or track progress.
Dynamic Onboarding
I designed an onboarding flow that feels conversational and intuitive, allowing students to share key information while personalizing their dashboard in real time.
Student Profile
I created a dynamic profile system that evolves as students move through their graduate journey. It delivers tailored tools and resources at each phase, whether researching schools, applying, or deciding on programs.
Personalized Search
Advanced search features let students find programs based on a wide set of attributes, helping them identify schools that align with both their academic and personal goals.
Streamlined Application
Research revealed a major pain point: students needed to gather and upload the same documents across multiple platforms. I designed a unified application process that pulls from previously entered information, minimizing redundancy and effort.
Other Features
Institution Experience
Universities seek diverse, qualified candidates but often rely on outdated, inequitable review systems. My focus was to design tools that make the process more holistic, human, and efficient.
Student Search
GradConnector allows institutions to define ideal candidate profiles and adjust weighting for different criteria. This helps surface students who are not just academically strong but also align with institutional values and goals.
Application Review
The review system enables institutions to track applicant progress, manage documents, and review materials in one centralized platform. This design supports data-driven decision-making and a more organized admissions workflow from start to finish.
Design Process
Discovery and Research
I led an extensive discovery phase that included:
Stakeholder Interviews & Co-Creation Workshops:
Collaborated with ETS stakeholders and target users to understand barriers and prioritize user groups most in need of support.
Persona Development:
Developed detailed personas representing both students and institutional users to guide design decisions.
Competitive Analysis:
Analyzed 15 comparable products to identify gaps in the market and opportunities for innovation.
Iteration and Testing
The design evolved through multiple testing cycles:
Concept Testing: Developed and tested two initial concepts with students to gather feedback and uncover UX gaps.
Design Refinement: Applied distinct visual directions, tested again, and refined based on usability and emotional resonance.
Outcomes
Pilot Launch
I led design through to a functional pilot, developed over two months and tested with real users to validate the concept and gather actionable insights for iteration.
Not a Happy Ending :(
Despite strong user feedback and promising pilot results, the project was paused due to shifting stakeholder priorities and budget reallocation at ETS.
Even without a full rollout, GradConnector stands out as a key project in my career, one that demonstrates my ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder design initiatives that bridge rigorous research, inclusive design, and meaningful user impact.