Mobile WebsiteThe Ohio State University mobile website's navigation structure mirrors the university's mobile app OSU Mobile. The consistency among these two mobile strategies provides for a better user experience in both applications. The site has a streamline navigation and minimal graphics. Occasionally, the mobile website will link to pages on Ohio State's traditional website, which then becomes difficult to navigate. For the most part, the site is "thumb-friendly," a best practice according to the Mobile Marketing Association's The Mobile Marketing Roadmap.
The breadth of information included in this mobile app is impressive and helps stakeholders (students, employees, visitors, etc.) more easily navigate Ohio State's large campus. From searching for information about events, food and buildings to receiving the latest campus happenings to engaging with others on various Ohio State social media channels, Mobile OSU is a well-strategized, comprehensive mobile communication tool. Within most of the nine main headings, there are additional navigational menus to more information. BuckeyeLink: Connects students to a regular website to access their financial and academic accounts. Students can view their financial aid status, account balances and registration fees. They can also schedule classes, view class schedule, advising reports, academic history reports and the university's course catalog.
Search: Students can use a mobile-friendly interface to search for bus stops, people, and buildings. Students can also search the library catalogs and osu.edu. What's Close?: Using geo-fencing, students can find the closest ATMs, bookstores, bus stops, campus dining and food, library, parking garage, Wifi-Hot Spots. News: Provides information about campus news and events. Tapping on a specific news and events takes the user to more information. Athletics: Allows visitors to access the Buckeye's weekly sports schedule, buy tickets for an upcoming athletic event, see the latest news and photos of various Buckeye teams. This navigation button also takes visitors to the Office of Student Life Recreational Sports webpage, which includes a wealth of information on programming, classes, facilities (including building hours) and space reservations. Downloads: Students and others can show their Buckeye spirit with wallpaper and ringtones downloaded from this site. Social Media: Link to Ohio State's different social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, ITunesU, YouTube and LInkedIn). In addition, one can access uploaded O H I O photos and Image of the Day, photos taken each day on the Ohio State campus. Visiting: Gain access to directions and popular campus destinations. One can also schedule a campus visit or gain more information about Columbus and Ohio State. Giving: Links to Ohio State's Giving Online regular website. While the idea is a good one, the Giving Online website is difficult to navigate with a mobile phone. |