WGU Stutdent Technial Requirements

Overview

Students often arrived unprepared for online proctored exams. Some purchased unsupported devices like Chromebooks, while others scrambled at the last minute to buy webcams or set up a proper testing space. Confusion about requirements created stress and sometimes led to academic setbacks.

User Research

A survey of 23 students revealed that 68% had no prior experience with proctored exams and 70% had purchased new technology, often at significant cost. Students shared frustrations around device compatibility, webcam setup, and unclear environment requirements. One explained:

“I initially bought a Chromebook before I was fully aware of the computer requirements. I had to buy another laptop, which was costly and inconvenient.”

Process

I worked with admissions and support teams to identify recurring pain points. From there, I designed a technology requirements page that clearly flagged unsupported devices, included checklists, and tutorials.

Solution

The redesigned experience guided students through setup with clear, step-by-step instructions. Unsupported devices were flagged upfront with affordable alternatives offered. A built-in Guardian Browser check let students test hardware, internet speed, and security compatibility in advance

Takeaways

For students, technical requirements are more than a checklist. They can define the emotional start of their journey. By making expectations clear and support available early, we turned confusion into confidence.