Background 

As iPhones, iPads and Smartphones become more widespread, many academic institutions around the world are beginning to invest in creating apps.  The idea of a University app is fairly well established in the US, but now many UK universities are beginning to develop their own, starting with Warwick University’s iWarwick and UCLan’s new app – both shown below:

 

What these apps offer varies from institution to institution as does the approach of the universities concerned to how they should be funded, with some institutions offering them free and others, such as Warwick University (shown above), charging students to download the app.

This comprehensive report, based on qualitative research, looks at the attitudes of both existing and prospective students to the concept of University apps. It focuses on 3 areas:

• what information and content both current and prospective students would find most useful to have included in an application
• students’ responses to existing apps
• students’ responses to price and business models 

Who should buy this research

Individuals within Higher Education institutions who have either already started development or are looking to start development of apps for their university. The report should help you to think creatively about how to produce a truly successful student-centric app by gaining new perspectives on students’ needs, wants, and attitudes.

Project Scope and Key Questions

Response to the concept of the university app

• How might such an app be useful for both current and prospective students?
• What are students’ needs and what might be the most popular and least popular areas of functionality and content?

 

The importance of integration with other university systems

• How important is integration with VLEs such as Blackboard or Moodle?
• How important is integration with university library systems?

The importance of integration with social media

• How important is integration with social media such as Facebook, 4square and Twitter? 

Responses to existing apps

• What content and features are most and least appreciated?
• How usable do students find currently existing apps from the UK and US?

Price and business models

• How do students respond to different payment models?
• What price points, if any, might be acceptable to them?

Methodology

8 focus groups – 4 with current first year students and 4 with prospective students.

Costs

A comprehensive report (digital copy) including quotes and marketing personas to help you focus your app development around real student needs  - £1000+ VAT
For an additional £250 subscribers can buy a secret question within the focus group.

Contact

To order a copy of this report, or to find out more about this project please contact
Jane Powell -  Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Tel: +44 (0)207 253 8959

About Shift Learning Syndicated Business Intelligence

Shift Learning Syndicated Business Intelligence is designed to inform investment decisions for the education and learning sector. We investigate key decision areas and share results among the members who subscribe.

About Shift Learning

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