Designing a Student-Friendly Financial Aid and Loan Management Tool

Consider the following factors to ensure a well-rounded, user-centered, and business-aligned solution

User Experience & Usability

• Is the solution intuitive and easy to navigate?
• Does it minimize friction and enhance efficiency for users?
• Are accessibility best practices considered

Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking

• Does the solution effectively address the core problem?
• Is there a clear rationale behind design decisions?
• Has the user’s pain points been mitigated or eliminated?

Business Alignment & Feasibility

• How well does the solution balance user needs with business goals?
• Is the proposed solution scalable and adaptable?
• Are there measurable benefits, such as increased engagement, conversions, or retention?

Visual & Interaction Design

• Does the interface follow modern design principles and maintain a visually appealing layout?
• Are interactions smooth, meaningful, and engaging?
• Is the visual hierarchy clear, guiding users effectively through the experience?

Innovation & Creativity

• Does the solution introduce a novel approach to solving the problem?
• How does it differentiate from existing solutions in the market?
• Are emerging technologies or design trends leveraged appropriately?

Clarity & Presentation

• Are the design decisions well-documented and articulated?
• Does the submission include annotations or explanations where necessary?
  Is the submission structured in a way that makes it easy to evaluate?

1. User Flow or Journey Map

• A high-level representation of the steps a user takes to accomplish the task.

2. Wireframes or UI Mockups

• Low or high-fidelity visuals showcasing the proposed solution.
• Responsive design considerations (if applicable).

3. Prototype (Optional)

• An interactive version of the design using Figma, Adobe XD, or similar tools.

4. Design Rationale & Case Study

• A brief document explaining the thought process, decisions, and trade-offs made during the design process.
• Insights on how the design meets both user needs and business objectives.

5. Accessibility Considerations

• Annotations on how the solution accounts for inclusivity and usability best practices.

6. Impact Metrics & Success Measurement

• Hypothetical or real-world metrics that would measure the effectiveness of the solution.
• Suggested ways to test and iterate on the design.