ECU Service Desk Project Image

SERVICE DESK

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Design for IT Help

After graduating and receiving a graduation award, I was invited by Sandeep Sidhu (CIO of ECU), to join the IT team as a Business Analyst and UX Designer. Under the supervision of Stephen Wichuk (Service Experience Manager), my role focused on enhancing the digital experience related to IT Services. I led the student journey mapping initiative, identifying key touchpoints that required improvement. This process resulted in several new projects, including the Service Desk project, which I played a significant role in. The Service Desk serves as the central hub for IT support for students, faculty, and staff. My contributions helped design and develop the Service Desk experience, making IT support more accessible, active, and user-friendly for the entire ECU community.

ROLE

Business Analysis

User Experience

User Interface

Front-End Development

Visual Design

Video Production

CLIENT

Emily Carr University

DATE

June 2023 - May 2024

An overview of the ECU Service Desk and the services it provides.

01

User Research

Journey mapping visually represent the user experience by detailing their interactions

We wanted to identify both pain points and opportunities at each touchpoint of the user experience. The journey map was designed to span all stages relevant to our target persona. It featured rows organized into touchpoints, key moments, pain points, and opportunities. Participants were given sticky notes to actively share their experiences and insights at each step of the journey.

Journey Mapping 1 Journey Mapping 2 Journey Mapping 3

Phase 1 journey mapping activity conducted on ECU campus.

02

Insights and Problems

Complexity in navigating multiple systems

Users face challenges due to the complexity of navigating through multiple systems, leading to information overload and fragmented knowledge across the organization.

Limited availability of self-service and support options

The user base heavily relies on ITS support, highlighting the need for a comprehensive Knowledge Base for troubleshooting and a more adaptable ticketing system to enhance flexibility.

Consequences of outdated and inconsistent information

Outdated information hampers decision-making and negatively impacts student outcomes. Staff and faculty encounter obstacles in task completion, struggle with adopting new tools, and are often unaware of significant initiatives.

03

Unified System

Integrating Service Desk with a cohesive IT system

To build a more connected and user-centric IT environment, I carried out a site-mapping review that examined the information architecture of the ECU website’s IT section. This process revealed key opportunities to integrate the Service Desk into the broader system.

Building cohesion through information architecture.

Unified IT support system

The "Need ITS Help?" page connects the Service Desk with the IT Services website, enhancing user access to IT resources through improved information architecture.

Optimizing IT support integration for effortless navigation.

04

Visual Identity

Respect ECU brand identity and design system

My approach to designing the Service Desk platform and its integration was rooted in respecting ECU's brand identity and design system. It was crucial to align with ECU's guidelines, ensuring that we maintained consistency and upheld the integrity of their established design standards.

LOGO AVATAR + WORDMARK

ECU Visual Identity

COLORS

#009EAD
#292F35
#E8F2F3

05

Web Platform

Gateway to IT resources

The Service Desk home page features custom HTML modules for intuitive navigation, providing quick access to the Service Catalog, Knowledge Base, and Technology Issues.

Service Desk landing page.

Request. Track. Achieve.

The Service Catalog, designed for students, faculty, and staff, simplifies support requests at ECU by enabling users to submit needs, define requirements, and track progress.

Userflow of service catalog navigation.

Self-service portal

The Knowledge Base offers self-service support with guides and articles on accounts, software, and campus services, ensuring quick solutions to common issues.

Navigate the Knowledge Base: explore, learn, resolve, and create tickets when needed.

06

Email Notification

Automated notification system

I designed and developed a custom email template for the ticketing system to automatically send dynamic notifications for ticket updates, creations, and comments, ensuring all parties stay informed.

Nelly Mafi Image

Efficient notification system for ticketing support.

07

What did I learn?

Designing with purpose

Effective problem-solving starts with identifying issues and designing user-centered solutions, avoiding unjustified fixes. Higher education must prioritize user needs.

Balancing identity and functionality

Design solutions must align with organizational identity while standing out to highlight platform uniqueness within the institution. For instance, ECU customized TeamDynamix to embody its branding while utilizing TDX’s functionality.

Agile iterative approach

IT projects often prioritize quick wins through agile delivery. Solutions should be planned in phases, starting functional and refined through iterations.