The primary objectives of the redesign were as follows:

• Enhance the user experience to ensure easy navigation and intuitive course interaction.
• Improve the accessibility features to cater to users with different abilities.
• Create a visually appealing and modern design that aligns with the platform’s mission and brand.
• Optimise the platform’s performance and loading times.
• Increase user engagement and retention rates.

To understand the users’ needs and pain points, extensive research was conducted, including user interviews, surveys, and competitor analysis.

Key findings included:

• Users valued a clean and intuitive interface with clear navigation.
• Accessibility features, such as screen reader compatibility, were crucial for neurodiverse learners.
• Users desired flexible learning options and personalised experiences.
• The existing platform lacked visual appeal and suffered from slow loading times.

Information Architecture: The information architecture was redesigned to ensure logical and efficient navigation. The courses were grouped into relevant categories, and a clear course hierarchy was established. Users could easily find courses, access course materials, and track their progress.

Visual Design: The visual design aimed to create an engaging and inclusive learning environment. The colour palette was carefully chosen to provide sufficient contrast for users with visual impairments. The typography utilises the Braille Institute’s Atkinson Hyperlegible font and is designed to improve legibility and readability for low vision readers and follows accessibility guidelines, with a clear hierarchy for easy reading. Visual elements, such as icons and photography, were added to enhance content comprehension.

Accessibility: Accessibility was a top priority in the redesign. The platform was designed to meet WCAG 2.1 guidelines, ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies.

Key accessibility features included:

• Screen reader compatibility with proper semantic structure and alternative text for images.
• Keyboard navigation support and visible focus indicators for improved usability.
• Closed captioning and transcripts for video content.
• Adjustable font sizes and high contrast mode options.
• Compatibility with common assistive technologies and browser extensions.
  
  

Personalisation and Flexibility: To cater to diverse learning needs, course content is delivered over a variety of media. Written, video and interactive lessons are included in each course and personalised learning pathways can be configured to help guide learners through the materials that will benefit them most.

A high-fidelity interactive prototype was created to visualise the redesigned DiplomAT platform. Usability testing sessions were conducted with a diverse group of neurodiverse users. Feedback was collected on the ease of navigation, accessibility features, visual design, and overall user experience. Iterations were made based on the test results to address usability issues and to optimise the platform.

The redesigned DiplomAT platform received positive feedback from users and stakeholders.

Key outcomes included:

• Improved user satisfaction and engagement, resulting in increased completion rates.
• Higher accessibility ratings and positive reviews from neurodiverse users.
• Reduced bounce rates and improved performance due to optimised loading times.
• Enhanced brand perception and credibility through a visually appealing design.