Redesigning a complex academic workflow into a clear, trackable experience
Project overview
Project overview
MAPWA is a practicum support platform designed for 200+ MA-LIS students at UW–Madison. The system helps students explore, track, and apply for practicum opportunities.
However, as the program grew, students struggled to understand how to navigate the system and track their progress. Administrators also needed a more efficient way to monitor application data.
MAPWA is a practicum support platform designed for 200+ MA-LIS students at UW–Madison. The system helps students explore, track, and apply for practicum opportunities.
However, as the program grew, students struggled to understand how to navigate the system and track their progress. Administrators also needed a more efficient way to monitor application data.
From the Program Leader
From the Program Leader
— Jaime-Healy-Plotkin
— Jaime-Healy-Plotkin
Team
Yilin, Krishang Mittal, Jaime Healy-Plotkin
Duration
9 months
My Role
UX Designer · Researcher
Team
Yilin, Krishang Mittal , Jaime Healy-Plotkin
Duration
9 months
My Role
UX Designer · Researcher
Challenge
Challenge
When structure is missing, confusion multiplies
When structure is missing, confusion multiplies
The system lacked transparency and directional flow. The core problem was not missing features — it was missing structure.
The system lacked transparency and directional flow. The core problem was not missing features — it was missing structure.
Although the platform technically worked, usability gaps created confusion:
Students frequently emailed asking how to begin
Application status visibility was unclear
Multiple steps lacked hierarchy or guidance
First-time users felt cognitively overloaded
Solutions
Solutions
Rebuilding clarity through structure, visibility, and guidance
Rebuilding clarity through structure, visibility, and guidance
To address the above issues, I redesigned the site around four targeted improvements:
To address the above issues, I redesigned the site around four targeted improvements:
User Flow Redesignd
User Flow Redesignd
Before
The system worked, but it did not clearly communicate where students were or what would happen next.
After
I transformed it into a transparent end-to-end journey by mapping pre-application phases, clarifying decision paths, and embedding real-time feedback mechanisms.
After
I transformed it into a transparent end-to-end journey by mapping pre-application phases, clarifying decision paths, and embedding real-time feedback mechanisms.
Dashboard System
Dashboard System
Before
Repetitive service descriptions scattered across multiple pages.
After
Consolidated services into well-structured individual pages with targeted CTAs and visual summaries.
Before
Need to download spread sheets to see application status.
After
Displays real-time application status and allows administrators to track data efficiently.
Onboarding Tutorial
Onboarding Tutorial
After
Demonstrates the full practicum workflow. The video was embedded directly into the platform, reducing reliance on email support.
After
Demonstrates the full practicum workflow. The video was embedded directly into the platform, reducing reliance on email support.
Reflection
Reflection
Small structural decisions can create measurable impact
Small structural decisions can create measurable impact
By redesigning the flow and improving visibility, I not only reduced confusion but also helped administrators save time on manual checks. It reinforced for me that good UX is not just about clean interfaces, but about making processes feel understandable, efficient, and supportive from the very first interaction.
By redesigning the flow and improving visibility, I not only reduced confusion but also helped administrators save time on manual checks. It reinforced for me that good UX is not just about clean interfaces, but about making processes feel understandable, efficient, and supportive from the very first interaction.
© Yilin Chen 2026. Proudly hand created.
© Yilin Chen 2026. Proudly hand created.
Redesigning a complex academic workflow into a clear, trackable experience
Redesigning a complex academic workflow into a clear, trackable experience