Almacircle is a specialized platform designed to enhance alumni engagement by providing two key modules: an Emails module for creating and managing email campaigns and a Social Network module for fostering community interactions. The Emails module allows administrators to design templates, manage alumni contacts, and broadcast updates efficiently. Meanwhile, the Social Network module provides an interactive space for posting polls, announcements, and multimedia content, aiming to build stronger connections between alumni and their alma mater. This dual-module platform was developed to simplify communication and encourage meaningful engagement within alumni communities

Objective

The primary goal of Almacircle was to create a user-friendly platform that streamlines communication and enhances alumni engagement. By addressing the needs of both administrators and alumni, the platform sought to provide innovative tools that simplify content sharing, foster interactivity, and nurture long-lasting relationships between alumni and their alma mater.

User Research

Understanding the needs and preferences of the target audience was a critical step in the design process. Through stakeholder interviews with alumni, university staff, and administrators, I gained valuable insights into their challenges with existing engagement methods. Surveys distributed among alumni revealed their communication preferences and areas for improvement in current tools. A detailed analysis of competitor platforms provided a foundation to identify best practices and opportunities for innovation. These findings helped shape a solution that resonated with both alumni and administrators.

Key Features

The platform was designed to cater to the unique needs of both administrators and alumni. For administrators, Almacircle offers robust tools for managing email campaigns, sharing content, and organizing alumni databases. The addition of analytics enables them to measure campaign success and monitor engagement trends effectively. For alumni, the platform provides a dynamic social network where they can interact through polls, discussions, and events while staying updated with real-time notifications and announcements. A searchable alumni directory further strengthens connections within the community.

Design Process

The design process began with extensive stakeholder collaboration to map out user journeys and define key functionalities. Wireframes were created to outline the platform’s structure, focusing on clean layouts and intuitive navigation. High-fidelity prototypes were then developed to bring the vision to life, emphasizing responsiveness across devices. User testing with administrators and alumni provided crucial feedback, enabling iterative refinements to ensure the platform met user expectations. The final design was delivered with a comprehensive design system and documentation for seamless developer handoff, with close collaboration during implementation to maintain design fidelity.

Challenges & Solutions

Balancing the differing needs of administrators and alumni was a significant challenge. To address this, I designed separate, role-specific interfaces tailored to each group’s requirements. Content organization was another hurdle, as it was essential to prevent information overload. A modular structure was implemented to prioritize clarity, and personalized filters allowed users to access relevant content effortlessly. Lastly, ensuring consistent alumni engagement required creative solutions. Interactive features like polls and event reminders were incorporated to keep the community actively involved.