TeachNZ Scholarships Application Design
Forms, Guides, Instructional Video and Support Collateral for the Ministry of Education, New Zealand.
Forms, Guides, Instructional Video and Support Collateral for the Ministry of Education, New Zealand.
I was tasked with the challenge of redesigning the application forms and guides to increase the numbers of correctly completed scholarship applications. This was achieved by creating a user-centric design and information structure using icons for visual cuing, colour breaks for section separations and typographic texture to delineate a clear content hierarchy.
Each year TeachNZ is tasked with allocating New Zealand Government funding to student teachers. They are also responsible for; 1) raising the profile of teaching as a profession, and 2) drawing professionals and particularly Te Reo Maori (indigenous language) speakers into the classroom to teach at pre-school, primary and secondary school level. The funding for this is made available via a suite of annual scholarships.
The Design Problem
TeachNZ were concerned about the high number of unsuccessful applications being made by Māori and Pasifika applicants. In 2009, (via Ogilvy) I was tasked with the challenge of redesigning the application forms and guides to increase the numbers of correctly completed scholarship applications.
TeachNZ were concerned about the high number of unsuccessful applications being made by Māori and Pasifika applicants. In 2009, (via Ogilvy) I was tasked with the challenge of redesigning the application forms and guides to increase the numbers of correctly completed scholarship applications.
I retained some aspects of the old design were retained to aid transition for data processing purposes and created a modular information structure for ease of updating and document management. I also created instructional video series (online helper) to support applicants through the process.
Applying for a scholarship can be a confusing process involving verification of identity and qualifications documents, written statements by applicants and referees, declarations from tutors and other 3rd parties. This had to be explained clearly, and frequently in 2-3 languages; English, Māori and Samoan.
Some aspects of this project were designed specifically to improve outcomes for Māori and Pasifika applicants, for example: Since 2009, I have been responsible for maintaining the design standard, and updating the content of 10-12 eight-page forms, matching guides and 6 online helper videos on an annual basis. We also provide the from online as live PDFs.
In 2012 I launched live data submissions on the forms, enabling users to complete the PDF forms (which are also printed as hardcopy forms) and submit them online. This was part of a transitory process towards full HTML submissions.
