We’ve just been short listed for the 2012 Mobies for an app we built for the University of Newcastle. The handy app is aimed at prospective students who are in the depths of that well known search for the perfect university.
But instead of being elbow deep in prospectuses, future students can research on the go – at work, on the bus, whilst battling it out on Warcraft and all of the other studenty things students do.
Not only did the app provide access ‘on the go’ but it also provided must-know information on student life, the campus, and the wider area of Newcastle as we know how crucial it is for not only local students but more importantly international students to have the very best university experience.
Because the University has an extensive number of degrees on offer, over 200 in fact, it meant that it was sometimes a challenge for students to understand which degree would be right for them. The app helps students to search by Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Honour degree, plus search by multiple categories such as keyword, career and university campus. Prospective students can also watch videos of students who are undertaking courses they might be interested in.
An added bonus the app provided was that we were able to build in Google Maps functionality for all of their campuses. The University of Newcastle is located in stunning bushland and is spread over a vast area, therefore mapping out the journey from class to class was of great importance, after all these guys cram in up to 6 classes per day.
We also made sure students could search the university campus for parking locations and we mapped out quick route walking paths using KML files – showing the quickest path to lecture theatres, cafes, bars, car parks etc to make their day that little bit easier.
The Uni of Newcastle app captures students when they’re away from their computer, increasing the opportunity for engagement with the University in a controlled mobile environment. The result is increased engagement with the University supporting the underlying goal of conveying the strengths of Newcastle’s offering, from academic to social and ultimately to convert prospective students and have them decide to attend UoN to further their learning.
Statistics from iPhone application illustrate this strong engagement:
• 7.41 pages viewed per visit
• Average visit over 17 minutes
This translated to:
• Over 50% visitors to app looked 5 or more pages
• Over 24% looked 10 or more pages
• Over 7% looked 20 or more pages
Importantly, 65% of app users returned to the application. The application provides a convenient, easy to access location for students to return to while in the University ‘shopping’ process.
Most functionality in the app was well trafficked. Highlights include:
• 27% pages used were for the degree guide functionality (one of the core functions of the application allowing students to read about degrees and watch videos from students undertaking courses)
• 15% pages used were for maps function – an advanced mapping integration that permits students to search maps for building, display walking paths, look at both campus and Newcastle points of interest.
Critically
• 5% page views were to contact us page
• 4% were to information on getting into the University
So now that you know a little more about the app, we need you to get voting!
Cast your vote using the button below, then share it with your mates on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter (entries close 23rd August.)
Related Posts:
