How to create a smarter, simpler experience for your prospective students
In higher education, your academic catalog is more than a list. It serves as one of the most powerful tools for converting prospective students in your digital ecosystem. But too often, these catalogs feel like information overload instead of a helpful resource.
Here at Kanopi, we believe exploring program options shouldn’t feel like trying to find a pimple on a grasshopper. With hundreds (or even thousands) of offerings across multiple campuses, modalities, and degrees, it’s easy for prospective students to feel lost.
This is just one reason why our design strategy is guided by one overarching, all-encompassing principle:
Don’t make me think.
If you’re a higher ed marketer, here are some ways you can apply this simple principle to design an academic catalog that transforms your own complex program data into intuitive, user-friendly digital experiences:
Let Users Guide Their Own Journey
When it comes to catalog navigation, filters are your best friend. Implement robust, accessible faceted search systems that let users narrow their options based on:
- Area of study
- Degree level (undergraduate, graduate, certificate)
- Campus or delivery format (online, in-person, hybrid)
- Geographic location
- Start term or admission requirements
By allowing users to set their own parameters, you’ll cut down on information noise and turn the catalog from a data dump into a personalized discovery tool.
Personalize with Guided Exploration
Imagine a student landing on your catalog page and seeing a simple prompt:
“What would you like to study?”
“Where would you like to study?”
“What kind of degree are you pursuing?”
This is progressive disclosure in action. It simplifies decision-making by breaking complex choices into small and manageable steps. By leading users through a tailored journey, you reduce cognitive load and build confidence at every click.
Side-by-Side Program Comparisons
Once a student narrows their list, they want to compare their options quickly and clearly. Make this easier for them by enabling side-by-side comparisons of key metrics like:
- Tuition and fees
- Program duration
- Delivery format
- Career outcomes
This helps students quickly compare their options and gives marketers a clear way to highlight each program’s strengths.
Clear Visual Hierarchy = Better Engagement
Long-form academic content can feel dense. There are a few ways you can help make it easier to digest:
- Plain, accessible language
- Consistent layout patterns (like tabs and accordions)
- Strong visual hierarchy for easy scanning
It’s all about clarity and flow. The goal is to help users move through content easily, without strain or confusion.
Modular, Scalable, and Future-Proof
Content scalability is especially important when you’re managing hundreds of programs. That’s why we recommend building with modular design in CMS platforms like Drupal and WordPress. Program data entered once can be repurposed across multiple views, pages, and audiences. That means less duplication, better consistency, and easier updates.
Built for Mobile, Optimized for Speed
Prospective students are mobile-first. Ensure every catalog experience is fully responsive and performance-optimized. Whether someone is researching from a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, they’ll enjoy a fast, seamless experience.
Thoughtful Use of AI for Discovery
AI can enhance search and discovery with tools like:
- Intent-based search
- Smart recommendations
- Behavior-driven prompts
At the same time, it’s essential to maintain transparency, ethical oversight and user control to ensure AI is always used responsibly. Because technology should support student exploration, not hijack it.
Design your academic catalog in a way that makes the complex simple
In the end, your academic catalog should feel like a trusted guide and not an obstacle course. Whether you offer 50 programs or 5,000, your audience deserves a clear, user-friendly experience that respects their time and needs.
