Core Spaces: Admin Portal
Testing • Analysis • Design
In 2019, Core Spaces launched an app at their 28 properties and built a portal for its administrative side. However, none of the staff was using it, leading to less app content and user engagement.
Why was staff not using this admin portal? What was wrong with it? How could it be made more usable, and even enjoyable? I was tasked with finding out.
Usability Test
I recruited staff from various Core properties to test the existing admin portal. Users were given specific tasks that encompassed routine operations necessary for the app, such as sending out messages and creating resident events.
Top Insights
• Low awareness of how to log into the site
• The most important information was hidden farther down the page
• Many designs attempted to be unique instead of usable, creating confusion
Design Changes
I consulted with developers to determine which changes were the most feasible and would make the largest impact. I then designed solutions while adhering to the Material design system.
Redesigned elements covered crucial Admin portal features, such as scheduling student events and viewing student location data.
Results
Before testing, only 25% of surveyed users had ever logged into the portal. Of those who did, they had only logged in once.
After site designs were updated and user awareness campaigns were launched 8 months later, 100% of users reported using the site at least once a week. Some even used it two to three times a week.
Follow-up usability tests were conducted with the updated site, and this time feedback was significantly more positive.
Creative Team
Director of Product — Samuel Choi
UX Designer — Hannah Hinze