Department for Curriculum and Quality Enhancement

Project case study

Student Finance Planner (large) Interactive Student Budget Planner (Student Finance Centre)

The project...

Production of an interactive student budget planner to help students manage their budgets for life at university.

What we did...

  • Project managed the project from initial brief to sign-off within strict deadlines, while keeping colleagues in the Student Finance Centre continually updated as to progress and any other issues that arose.
  • Designed and developed all facets of interactive functionality using Adobe Creative Suite 5 software (specifically Flash), which also involved linking to appropriate third-party websites for additional information and content.
  • Copyedited and proofread content, which involved repurposing original submission in Microsoft Word for online delivery, while also addressing issues of accessibility and usability.
  • Proactively sourced appropriate imagery from the UoP Asset Bank repository, while advising colleagues of any copyright / usage restrictions relating to the use of third-party material.

The result...

A useful, accessible resource that makes it possible for students to manage their personal budgets more effectively.

Testimonial...

We wanted to create a resource that was captivating and inviting, but also useful and easy to use. Many students come to university having just left home for the first time, and they need help managing their money. Therefore, it was important that we broke the budgeting process down so students are not put off.

Our brief to DCQE was to create an online resource that would appeal to students. We were able to provide the financial information for the Budget Planner, but needed help with the design, and the technical functions of the resource. Marie Kendall-Waters, who was assigned to work on the project, understood the brief perfectly. Not only does the planner look great, it functions brilliantly too. Marie worked hard to ensure that the Budget Planner was ready in time for the launch of the new website on 14 February 2011, updating me along the way and when necessary. We have since tested the planner with students, and have received some excellent feedback.

Clare Young
(Information and Liaison Officer, Student Finance Centre)