Blackhawk Technical College Website

Boosting enrollment with an engaging new content strategy and site

Blackhawk Technical College needed a responsive website redesign that extended the college’s recent brand refresh—and a partner who could work with their in-house design team to deliver a streamlined user experience design.

Insight

Years of higher ed experience have taught us that applying to college can be an intimidating, frustrating experience for first-generation students and adult learners. Our user research confirmed it, along with a need for effortless wayfinding and clear-cut content. Implemented together, these website planning priorities could reassure anxious prospects and connect with the busy, career-focused students and business leaders Blackhawk has always served best.

Action

KW2’s user experience design team delivered new and simplified content and a more efficient, prospect-friendly information architecture. We fully integrated course search capabilities to boost enrollment site-wide. And our responsive redesign and modern page layouts seamlessly complement the college’s fresh look and feel. Lastly, we implemented an easy-to-use CMS to help administrators keep the site updated.

Result

Today’s blackhawk.edu offers visitors a mobile-friendly experience, streamlined content and straightforward navigation. Prospective students are finding the resources they need in fewer clicks than ever before, as evidenced by visitors’ efficient sessions on mobile devices and a dramatically lower bounce rate. Plus, KW2’s detailed personas—based on more than 70 user surveys and a user persona workshop—continue to help Blackhawk direct their own website planning and content development efforts.

“Working with KW2 was an incredibly positive and enlightening experience. Their management approach allowed for broad input, yet focused results. And their leadership, mentorship and expertise provided an excellent product along with a wonderful learning experience for our team. BTC is delighted with the final product. Well done.”

Dr. Tracy Pierner, President, Blackhawk Technical College

Page Views

Laptop graphic showing 7% quarterly increase

Bounce Rate

Graph showing 52% decrease in bounce rate
Hand holding mobile phone with Blackhawk Technical College website on screen

Blackhawk Technical College website on laptop screen
Blackhawk Technical College website on laptop screen

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