The VCUarts GOlab
Client
VCUarts GOlab
Roles
Manager & Project Lead // User Experience Researcher // Service Designer // Curriculum Writer // Web Designer & Developer // Graphic Designer
Problem
The VCUarts GOlab, a printing facility located on campus, encountered difficulties in effectively connecting with the student population. With a small team, providing hands-on demonstrations and workshops to the approximately 3,000 students proved challenging, resulting in a general lack of awareness and understanding about the lab's available services. Furthermore, many students felt uneasy with the print production processes, which discouraged them from fully utilizing the lab's offerings.
Goal
The GOlab sought to boost student involvement and make its services more accessible by raising awareness and improving understanding of print production processes. Empowering students with the confidence would allow them to more effectively utilize the lab's offerings.
A combination of user research and market research was conducted to evaluate the best approach to developing services students wanted and would use. Observational study of service touch points, user interviews, and background research into the lab were done and the following goals were established: increasing accessibility of services, awareness of services, and knowledge of printing so students and other customers could feel comfortable with the offered services.
Action
The project yielded a comprehensive set of materials aimed at boosting the GOlab's visibility and educational impact:
Website: A centralized hub providing a one-stop resource for print production knowledge, combining in-house resources and a curated database of information from other labs and industry experts.
Social Media: Visually engaging posts and announcements to keep students informed and connected with the lab's offerings.
Tutorial Videos: Step-by-step guides on using the lab's binding equipment, enabling students to learn at their convenience and reducing the need for in-person demonstrations.
These initiatives collectively enhanced the GOlab's accessibility, awareness, and educational reach, ultimately tripling its business over a three-year period.
