NICMAR ONLINE
Designing an Accessible, Marketing-Driven Platform for Architecture Education
Background
NICMAR, established in 1983, is India’s top institution for built environment education. A UGC-recognized university with campuses in Pune, Hyderabad, and Delhi-NCR, it offers programs in construction, project, and real estate management. With strong industry ties and modern facilities, NICMAR emphasizes practical learning through internships, preparing graduates for the AEC industry's demands.
Brief
In alignment with NICMAR’s mission to provide accessible and high-quality education, NICMAR initiated the development of "NICMAR Online," a dedicated digital platform aimed at extending its educational offerings to a broader audience.
NICMAR Online's goal is to extend educational offerings to a broader audience.
It ensures that geographical, professional, or physical constraints do not hinder one's pursuit of knowledge.
By slowly transitioning into digital technologies, NICMAR Online provides flexible, high-quality learning experiences for professionals in the AEC industry.
Methodology
Accessibility was built into every stage of our design process, guided by WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA.
Research & Discovery
Explored NICMAR's brand legacy, studied competitors' positioning and user flows, and developed personas to understand user needs across demographics.
Wireframing & Content Mapping
Established a clear navigation hierarchy, structured content for smooth discovery, and ensured key options were visible throughout the site.
UI & Interaction Design
Designed a consistent, accessible interface that balanced modern trends like dark mode with a familiar, credible academic look.
Prototyping & Iteration
Conducted screen reader and keyboard testing, verifying alt text, focus, and interaction. Checked WCAG criteria and resolved accessibility issues.
Target Users
The platform was designed for a broad range of learners—early-career professionals looking to grow their careers and senior professionals aiming to stay current with new technologies and practices. This required a design that balanced modern trends with clarity and accessibility.
Early Career Professional
Profile
An entry-to-mid-level employee in a multinational corporation, interested in technology-driven solutions for the construction industry.
Needs
- A credible, accessible learning platform
- Certifications aligned with career goals
- Collaboration and adaptability tools
Pain Points
- Overwhelmed by course options and unclear certifications
- Difficulty balancing work, internships, and learning
- Frustration with outdated, non-mobile platforms
Senior Working Professional
Profile
An experienced construction professional aiming to stay updated with new technologies while managing limited time for learning.
Needs
- Flexible, time-efficient learning formats
- Specialized AEC-focused programs aligned with career growth
- Opportunities to connect with peers and industry leaders
Pain Points
- Difficulty finding courses that fit a busy schedule
- Traditional online learning feels monotonous and uninspiring
- Limited peer interaction and networking opportunities
Wireframing
The wireframing stage focused on defining the information hierarchy, navigation flow, and accessibility foundations to simplify course discovery and enrollment.
- Making navigation intuitive with clear categories and easy access points.
- Ensuring important actions like "Explore Courses" or "Enroll Now" were always visible.
- Designing layouts that could easily adapt to responsive formats for desktop and mobile.
- Incorporating accessibility considerations early, such as larger tap targets, clear visual hierarchy, and layouts that supported screen readers.
Key Design Decisions
Design choices were guided by the need to balance modern digital experiences with accessibility and familiarity. Each decision focused on simplifying user journeys, supporting diverse demographics, and aligning with NICMAR’s professional credibility.
Dedicated Online Education Hub
The website was designed as a standalone platform to showcase NICMAR’s online programs, establishing a strong digital presence beyond its traditional academic offerings and signaling a commitment to accessible, future-ready learning.
Optimized course discovery and enrollment flows
Navigation and user flows were streamlined to reduce friction—helping users quickly find relevant courses, compare options, and complete enrollment without confusion or unnecessary steps.
Accessibility-focused design to support diverse demographics
Given NICMAR’s varied audience, from young professionals to seasoned experts, the design emphasized simplicity, readability, and inclusivity—ensuring the experience was usable across age groups and technical comfort levels.
Responsive experience across devices
The platform was built to function seamlessly on desktop, tablet, and mobile, acknowledging the increasing reliance on mobile devices for learning and ensuring consistent usability across contexts.
The Outcome
The NICMAR Online project demonstrated how thoughtful design can bridge the gap between innovation and accessibility. By streamlining course discovery, prioritizing inclusivity, and balancing modern UI trends with academic credibility, the platform successfully positioned NICMAR as a leader in digital education. The process reinforced the importance of designing for diverse user groups and showed how research-driven decisions can create experiences that are both engaging and trustworthy.
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