An immersive approach to presenting CU Denver that was as unique as the college experience itself.
An immersive user experience designed to present CU Denver as uniquely as the college experience itself.
As part of transforming CU Denver’s reputation from a commuter school to a national draw, the administration wanted to aggressively recruit out-of-state freshmen and transfers for the first time.
Just another cookie-cutter recruitment site filled with labs, lecturers, and posed groups of smiling students wouldn’t cut it — or be authentic.
The strategy was to help prospective students envision themselves immersed in the 3-part experience. This included the active outdoor lifestyle, living it up in the LoDo area of Denver, and immersing themselves in the student-centered academic experience and all of the co-op and internship opportunities in the metro area.
Jeff: Mid-achieving high school senior from western Oklahoma.
Personality and mindset: Street smart, bored of the status quo, open-minded, and adventurous. Not interested in following his high school crowd to the primary and popular state school. More of an independent thinker that seeks preparation for “real-life” challenges. Doesn’t want to be walled in by convention or traditional expectations. Although he’s not an aggressive striver in the classroom, he does seek more pioneering or innovative experiences in life.
The site was divided into three experience content areas, plus a fourth for information on the admissions and scholarship processes specific to out-of-state students.
“Campus life” at CU Denver extends far beyond campus itself. So the site was envisioned to provided an in-depth view of what there is to do throughout the city of Denver, the surrounding Rocky Mountains, and on campus.
The multiple clickable cards created a user experience that students described positively as original, engaging, informational, and adventure-like.
