Canvas & JU Mobile UX Improvement
Client
Canvas & JU Mobile
Year
2025
Role
Product Designer, UX Resercher
Tools
Figma, FigJam, Google Form
Mobile App, Desktop App
What is Canvas/JU?
Canvas is JU's online learning platform where you can access course materials, submit assignments and communicate with teacher. JU mobile app is made for students who study in Jonkoping University and the app provides features such as book a group room, see results on courses and exams.
My Role
In a team of 5 members. I led the research and design workflow by creating interview plan, conducting user interviews, analyzing qualitive data, and mapping insights into design solution. I then translated into hi-fi and prototype screens
CONTEXT
What Makes Student Frustrated?
Since these platforms are used daily by thousands of students, it’s important to identify whether any features of the user experience are preventing them from having a smooth interaction.
RESEARCH
Qualitative Research
This study conducted three qualitative research methods to gather insights into first-year students’ experiences with Canvas and JU Mobile.
Analyze Data and Results
After finishing the interview session, our team gathered to review the conversations and take notes of participants’ answers, behaviors, and reactions.
KEY FINDING #1
100% of participants were struggled
with the Mobile vs Desktop Experience Gap
KEY FINDING #2
50% of participants had
Authentication & Login Frustration
KEY FINDING #3
Room Booking System Complexity
73% of participants
DEFINE
User Personas
Our study identified two user behavior patterns
that showed up across interviews and usability testing
John Carter
Industrial Engineering & Management student
Technology usage
Canvas Website
Canvas App Mobile
JU Mobile App Mobile
Goals & Needs
Access all university information from one platform
Manage assignments, schedule and deadlines in one place
Use mobile apps as effectively as desktop version
Frustration
“I wish I could check my schedule on Canvas - Why do I need two separate apps?
Mobiles Canvas lacks features compared to desktop version
SOLUTION
I’ve identified key requirements
which were defined to guide the design solution.
KEY SOLUTION #1: PERSISTENT LOGIN
Implementing a persistent login option saves time
Users reported that system fails to remember their session forcing them to fill up their account information and complete 2FA each time they return.
So I designed a new authentication flow
The design introduces a “Trust this browser” popup
confirm after successful 2FA verification.
This popup explains why users are asked to authenticate
and offers them a choice
KEY SOLUTION #2: JOINING GROUPS ON MOBILE APP
Manage course groups via the mobile app
Joining or manage course group is only available in browser on laptop/pc device. This limitation breaks workflow and creates barriers for users who rely primarily on mobile devices.
This new flow for group joining is created in Canvas Mobile App.
The design integrates Group management features.
Users can now view available groups for their course,
group members, group status and tap “Join” / “Join Group” buttons.
Leave Group or Switch to another Group Feature
KEY SOLUTION #3: ROOM BOOKING
The current room booking was highlighted as Confusing
Users struggled with selecting the correct building, finding available rooms.
Improve booked room interface and UX structure
This improvement helps users to understand what’s the current status of the rooms
The new design helps users quickly find
and reserve study rooms without frustration.
REFLECTION
Summary and reflection
This study translated user research insights into design improvements for Canvas and JU Mobile, focusing on three main areas: Login persistence, group management and room booking. Through requirement analysis and wireframing, I ensure these solutions enhance usability, accessibility and task efficiency for our target users.
