4 Navigation Design Strategies to Enhance the Workday Student User Experience
Navigating Workday doesn't need to feel like an overwhelming challenge—think of it more like an adventure where you can discover a more efficient way to manage your tasks. With the right strategies in place, your users will save time, energy, and reduce the need for extensive training. A smoother navigation experience leads to better user adoption and overall satisfaction among your campus community.
In this post, we will share essential tips to make your Workday navigation intuitive and enjoyable for everyone. Let’s dive into these practical strategies!
Lead with the Menu
The first step to improving Workday Student navigation is directing all users to the menu first.
While, as an experienced user, I love that I can travel through Workday to complete tasks and processes in a half-dozen ways. For the new user, this is confusing and overwhelming.
By directing new users to the menu, they are relieved from having to decide how to start their task. You've made the decision for them. Then, a well-organized (and customized!) menu system allows users to find what they need quickly and efficiently. Customizing your menu may require some work, but the benefits for your end users are significant.
By making the most common tasks and information easily accessible directly from the menu (or just one or two clicks deeper), users are more likely to think of Workday Student as a place to get information, not a place where they can't find what they are looking for.
For example, if it currently takes five clicks for a user to access the view their student advisee's contact information, reducing that to two clicks will greatly enhance their experience and greatly increase adoption.
Custom Dashboards Are Game Changers
Custom dashboards can transform the user experience. By tailoring these dashboards to specific departments and roles, you ensure that users have quick access to the features most relevant to them.
For instance, students who have met graduation requirements will want to easily access forms and tasks related to graduation. Through Workday dashboard bulletins, you can apply condition rules ensuring these students have quick access to this information.
Help in Context is Gold
In-context help is a powerful resource. By embedding guides, video tutorials, and job aids within the system, users can resolve issues in real time. This on-the-spot assistance can significantly reduce frustration. Remember, most users (especially students) want to be independent in the system and use self-service tools. Take advantage of this and make these tools readily available.
Imagine the window for registration is opening soon. By planning ahead, you can prepare customized dashboards during this time that display a step-by-step video on creating a saved schedule near their homepage. That said, knowing what support users need ahead of time should be an integral part of your planning. When users feel supported, they are likely to use Workday more frequently, effectively, and with less help.
Search Bar - Use with Caution
The search bar is an essential feature, but it can overwhelm newcomers. While seasoned users often find it helpful, beginners might struggle to use it effectively.
Instead of encouraging everyone to rely on the search function right away, guide new users through the platform’s basic navigational features first. This approach builds their confidence and familiarity. Once they are comfortable, you can introduce them to using the search bar for a more efficient experience.
Navigating Workday Like a Pro
Navigating Workday does not need to be a complicated process. By enhancing user experience through a centralized menu, customized dashboards, in-context help, and a careful approach to the search function, you can create an enjoyable platform for everyone involved.
Understanding your users and anticipating their needs is key to successful adoption. With a focused effort and effective strategies, you can foster a more engaged and satisfied user community on your campus.
By implementing these strategies, you're not just improving Workday; you are promoting a vibrant and productive campus. Go ahead, navigate like a pro!
At Legato Strategic, we emphasize creating user-friendly Workday experiences for higher education institutions. Our mission is to support your campus in adapting to Workday, building your team's confidence and skills, and ultimately helping your institution apply these resources to better serve students. We offer complimentary consultations to review dashboards and offer recommendations. To schedule, click here.
