Group by semester
Collect courses into semester groups so students can focus on the work that matters now.
Independent UX concept
A clearer course view
for Pulse.
An independent exploration of how students could find active courses and progress more easily in the Pulse app.
Why explore this
This independent exercise looks at one part of the Pulse experience: how students find and scan their courses. It explores a small redesign idea rather than a full product overhaul or a measured result.
The problem
A continuous course list can be hard to scan when current classes, past semesters, and archived courses appear together.
- Long lists can create extra scrolling and mental effort.
- Current courses may be hard to distinguish from inactive ones.
- Progress and new activity need clearer visual emphasis.
Design goals
Clarify hierarchy
Explore horizontal browsing within each group and give the active course a stronger visual cue.
Show progress
Make completion and updates easier to notice on each course card.
Reduce scrolling
Use clear groups to shorten the long vertical scan during busy periods.
Conceptual outcome
The mockup proposes a course view that could feel:
- More structured
- Easier to scan
- Less mentally demanding
Reflection
This is a design exploration, not a shipped change to Pulse. It shows how grouping and visual hierarchy might change the feel of course browsing.
Any real redesign would need to consider accessibility, institutional needs, existing systems, and student feedback before deciding what works.
Question for students
Would semester groups and horizontal browsing help you find current courses, or would a traditional vertical list work better?
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