Streamlining the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) file management system so administrators can cut through inefficiencies and focus on delivering timely aid for 10.8 million students.
WHO
Department of Education
WHEN
2019
Opportunity
NSLDS manages $115 billion in student aid for 10.8 million students annually. However, its file management system was inefficient and fragmented, requiring financial aid administrators to navigate multiple upload sections and external resources. This resulted in delays in aid distribution and frustration for administrators.
OUTCOME
The redesigned file management system consolidates all file-related tasks, such as submissions, reviews, and template downloads, into a single, user-friendly page. This centralization reduces friction and improves administrators' efficiency, ultimately enabling them to deliver timely financial aid to millions of students.
ROLE + PROCESS
I conducted in-depth interviews and observations to identify key pain points and understand administrators' workflows. To gain further insights, I analyzed behavior through heatmaps and data analytics. Using these valuable data points, I facilitated bi-weekly co-design sessions, collaborating with stakeholders and fellow designers to align our vision with the broader NSLDS modernization initiative. With a clear understanding of administrators' needs and broader alignment in direction, I designed a centralized, efficient UX/UI that successfully addressed the inefficiencies of the legacy system and delivered a significantly improved experience for administrators.
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IMPACT
