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Improving the Federal Aid Application Process

In this study, we research and design a tool to assist first-time applicants improve the efficiency of the FAFSA form.

In this study, we research and design a tool to assist first-time applicants improve the efficiency of the FAFSA form.

Problem

The current design of the FAFSA application prohibits students from efficiently completing it as financial jargon, the decentralization of resources, and the lack of support prevent students from comprehending the form.

 

In this project, I took the lead on implementing a mixed-methods approach, utilizing surveys, stakeholder interviews, and semi-structured interviews to understand the needs of first-time applicants and to build an experience design that can be properly accommodated in our final design.

Methods
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Task Analysis
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Data Analysis Tools
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Results
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Design Requirements
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Sketches
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Wireframes

Flow 1: In-process assistance (resources, comments, file upload) (plug-in only)

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Flow 2: Bookmark questions for later (plug-in to main site)

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Flow 3: Return to bookmarks & answer questions (main site to plug-in)

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Flow 4: Sharing bookmarks for outside help (main site only)

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User Testing

  • Evaluated by 10 students who appplied for financial aid 

  • Used moderated task-based testing

  • Conducted 10 evaluation sessions in person, with each member testing the design with a participant and taking notes

  • Our study design consisted of demographic questions, 3 main tasks with post-task questions, and post-study questions

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*Collected number of clicks, success rate, difficulty vs usefulness of product, and other qualitative metrics

Task Completion and User Feedback
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100% of students claimed to feel supported by HUMO

100% of users said they find the system useful

90% would use HUMO frequently

View Prototype Here

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