ucas progress advisory group• significant positive impact of a postgraduate qualification on...
TRANSCRIPT
Giles Ursell, Product Manager, UCASRob Edmondson, Strategic Product Manager, UCAS
UCAS Progress Advisory GroupThe re-development of UCAS’ core products
1. Working methodology – a brief intro2. What we are doing and why3. Admissions Portfolio 4. UCAS Search 5. Data reporting6. Time for questions
Contents…
Considers the redevelopment of our core products:• Search• Collection Service• Application Services
Our new way of working, looks at developing in iterations using agile methodologies - working with our customers as we develop our products, with UCD (User Centered Design) at the heart of delivery.
The decision was made to focus on Postgraduate (PG) as our first destination, and Search as the first deliverable.
Admissions PortfolioAGILE
Digital Acceleration
Vision
Feedback
2 Week SprintCode/Test/Design
Testing
Daily stand ups
Planning
Retrospective
Review
Sprint Backlog
Release
Stakeholder InputInternal/External
VisionProduct Manager
Product OwnerDev Team
Product OwnerDev Team
Dev Team
Product OwnerDev Team
Internal StakeholdersProduct Owner
Dev Team
Product OwnerDev Team
Product OwnerDev Team
Feedback
WireframesUX Team
Product BacklogProduct Manager &
Product Owner
Agile
• AlignmentWith the strategic decision to focus on one scheme as the first phase of Digital Acceleration.
• No application restrictionsThere are no dates and deadlines associated to the PG application process.
• Speed of deliveryWe can get a Beta and then MLP to market that will allow PG learners the ability to search for courses much quicker.
• Demonstration of agileWe can continue to improve the PG Search tool using agile methodology.
Why Postgraduate first?
• Significant positive impact of a postgraduate qualification on earning potential
• Availability of postgraduate study funding (PGT loans, PhD / research-led masters) from 2017 anticipated to increase demand
• Nearly 550'000 PG learners 2013/14, and this is expected to increase
• Recent UCAS study conducted in 2014 to existing final year UG students received over 8'000 responses, with nearly 50% saying they were considering PG
Postgraduate…
AdmissionsCollection and Application services
A platform for all customers to use that allows:
• Providers to make the most informed decisions on applications, in a timely way
• Learners to represent themselves as best they can be for chosen opportunities
• Advisers to proactively support their learners along their entire journey
Enabling UCAS to offer added value services and enabling diversification into new markets through modularised services
In progress vision to all of Admissions…
The Value of Providers giving us
their content
The Value of a Fraud, Similarity & Verification Service
The Value to our customers from the
content we hold
The Admissions Process Value for
Providers
The Admissions Process Value for
Learners
The Admissions Process Value for
Advisors
The Value of the data produced from
the Admissions Process
Test & Refine with the Sector
We have been running internal workshops to add to and collate our knowledge of our customers & their needs.
The Goal was to understand how our services should look in the future
Application Services
Applicant Data Collection Services
Application Management
Services
Application Data Sharing Services
Results Processing Services
Counter-fraud Services
Anti-Fraud Field Comparison
Service
Linguistic Similarity & Verbatim Service
Tier 4 Documentation
Service
Verification Services
Identification Verification
Qualification Verification Service
DBS Verification Service
Data Reporting Services
App/Competitor Tracking Services
TBC
TBC
TBC
Collection Services
Data Collection Services
Opportunity Sharing Services
Post Publish Data Quality Service
Reference Data Management
Admissions Portfolio
Application Data Collection Services
Applicant Information
Service
Online Reference
Service
Payment Collection
Service
Qualification Collection
Service
Fast Track/Progression Application Service
Document Manager Service
Application Management
Services
Link Service
Online Application
Management
Selection Event Management
Services
Online Communication
Tool
Qualification Equivalency Self
management Service
Application data sharing Services
3rd Party Data Services
(Compliance)
3rd Party Data Services
(Partners)
Results Processing Services
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
SQA
International /EU
Other….
New World
Application
Services
Future world Collection Service
Collection Service enables
Providers to effectively recruit
Providers to have maximum exposure to the right learners
Learners to find the best options for them
3rd Party Search Engines to promote advancement opportunities
Future world Collection Service offers
Co
llect
ion
Se
rvic
e
Manual Bulk Upload
Automated Bulk Upload
User Interface
Opportunity Sharing Service
Post Publish Data Quality Service
Reference Data Management
Pre-Publish Automated Verification of Data
Enab
ler
of
serv
ice
s
The Users Dashboard
User Permissions defines…
Dependent on your role type and permission levels you will have access to various services & features
Application Services Counter Fraud
ServicesVerification Services
Data Reporting Services
Collection Services
Learner
Adviser Adviser
Provider
3rd PartiesFor Example:
Adviser
• Allows us to focus at a lower level on the value we can bring
• We can work on the most valuable services first
• Focusing on how a module can work best, feeds upwards to a better overall service
• In the future, customers can consume the services that fit best for them
Why?
Admissions - Modular Services
SearchWhat? Why? How?
• To modernise UCAS' PG Search offeringThe current UKPASS PG search is outdated and limited.
• Improve sentiment towards the UCAS brand within the PG sectorThrough modernising the UCAS PG search tool, with UX at it's heart.
• Personalisation of UCAS Search servicesTo deliver a PG Search that allows Identity to plug in to it.
• Use PG as a demonstrable building blockBuilding an extensible Search product (with PG the first iteration).
Search – the ideal starting point
‘To be the preferred tool for learners in discovering opportunities and destinations. It will present objective,
relevant information, providing inspiration and guidance to enable them to make the most informed decisions.’
Search Vision
• A large percentage is reusable…
Search
Infrastructure Technology
Features Functionality
UX Design
CX
Core schemes
• Discover and integrate scheme specific requirements and features...
• Undergraduate Search• Conservatoire • Teacher Training• Progress
What this means…
‘Same Search, all schemes, one experience’
Optimised performance
Save/shortlist opportunities
Relevant Search experience
Enhanced Search algorithms
Innovative content displays
Search
Social experience
Inclusive of all schemes
Recommended opportunities
• Feature – Mobile first design principlesAdvantage – Optimum performance on all mobile and desktop devices.Benefits – *Allows learners to engage with the new Search tool effectively on all web enabled devices.
*Provider opportunities are readily available and accessible to learners whenever, wherever.
• Feature – Intelligent search and listingAdvantage – Fulfilling, easy and enjoyable CX.Benefit – *Allows learners to efficiently search for opportunities via an intelligent search engine and discover these in a coherent view.
*Provider opportunities are presented in a logical configuration, more results per page.
• Feature – Advanced filtering and sorting optionsAdvantage – Enhanced UX.Benefit – *Allows learners to quickly and effectively filter opportunities, drilling down their choices for enhanced decision making.
*Provider opportunities are easier to find and filter, appearing in relevant searches, to interested learners.
• Feature – Shortlisting of coursesAdvantage – Ability to shortlist and compare courses based on set criteria.Benefit – *Allows learners to view and shortlist chosen courses to return to these at a later date, comparing them against other similar courses.
*Provider opportunities can be returned to and quickly accessed from learner shortlists.
• Feature – Saved searchesAdvantage – Ability to save searches and return to these.Benefit – *Allows learners to save complete course searches, based on the search criteria that they have entered.
*Provider opportunities can be saved in searches and accessed quicker from learner dashboards.
• Feature – Trusted dataAdvantage – Reliable, accurate data on which to make informed decisions, and offer insight.Benefit – *Allows learners to be presented with trusted and reliable course data.
*Allows providers to receive reports and insight on learner behaviour in relation to their courses.
PG Search – Features, Advantages, Benefits
• Over 30’000 sessions
• Over 25’000 unique users
• Users from UK/Ireland/India/USA/Spain/Sri Lanka/Canada
• Over 75’000 individual page views
• Over 200 pieces of feedback received
• From feedback - How did you find using our search tool? The majority saying… ‘Extremely or Mostly Easy’
Beta activity so far…
We have made 13 releases to the PG Search Beta since it went live. Feedback has consisted of:
I'm loving the filters!!A very useful tool. In the course details entry and English requirements would be really helpful
Include feesProvider contact info - text and icon alignment isn't consistent
Search by town/city
Well improved! Well done!
Use of words as well as/instead of icons for list view/map view
Good layout of the tool
Have a ‘What's New?’ area
Filter by fee
Before
After
PG Search – Before/After
PG Search Beta
Beginnings of personalisation
Provider insight- Data
Number of times a course has been…
• Clicked on to view • Clicked on to apply • Shortlisted• Environment comparison
*Data and insight opportunities are still TBC
A number of data and insight opportunities will be available via Search. Feedback has indicated these could consist of:
Data reporting
Contents
• What is data reporting?
• Why are we doing it?
• Where are we at this point in time?
• How can you help shape the direction of travel?
• What happens next?
What is data reporting?Data reporting is the concept of providing you with a singular view of applicant and competitor insight which you then have the ability to report on.
Whilst we currently provide a number of individual data products and services, the intention moving forward is to present these within the one destination
Why are we doing it?As with all of our products and services, we continuously aim to improve our offering and provide you and the learner with an enriched experience.
We’ve gathered the insight that you have given us on your data products and services and as a result of this we are looking to make more data more accessible to you to helpinform your recruitment and strategic planning
Where are we at this point in time?
We have held a number of internal workshops to assess what questions we believe our customers are trying to answer and therefore what data/functionality may be of interest to them.
But we need to understand if our initial thoughts will satisfy your data needs so that we can take assurance that we are developing a product that is fit for purpose
How can you help shape the direction of travel?
At this stage we need to understand what questions you are trying to answer? We want you to consider data reporting as a blank canvas and help shape the direction of travel we take.
What does this look like to you? And why?
If you need to take this away and discuss with your colleagues, then please do feel free to
feedback to me at any point…..
What happens next?Once we have an understanding of your requirements, we will assess the feasibility of delivering this as a service for you.
How will I be updated on progress?
We typically run webinars and attend advisory groups and forums to update the sector on how the development of our products and services is progressing. We will also update UCAS.com throughout the course of the year to reflect this.
But equally please do contact me at any point if you would like to discuss this further.
Thank-you for your timeIf you would like further information in relation to the new UCAS Search tool, or have any
ideas or feedback, please try our Beta at https://digital.ucas.com and provide feedback using the feedback tab.
Or get in contact directly at: