Koutian Wu

Koutian Wu

He/Him/His

AI4Geoscience PhD student@UT-Austin. ex-Undergrad@USTC.

UT01 Navigation Platform

A comprehensive unified resource platform for UT Austin’s fragmented campus services, designed based on extensive user research and achieving significant user engagement.

Project Overview

UT01 is a full-stack web application that addresses the challenge of fragmented campus services at UT Austin by creating a centralized navigation platform. Through user research, I identified the need for a unified resource hub that students could easily access and navigate.

Technical Implementation

  • Frontend: Jekyll, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3
  • Deployment: GitHub Pages for zero-cost maintenance and automated deployment
  • Optimization: SEO implementation and cross-device compatibility
  • Architecture: Static site generation for optimal performance and reliability

Key Achievements

User Impact

  • 10,700+ visits: Demonstrated significant user adoption and engagement
  • Unified Access: Centralized access to previously fragmented UT Austin services
  • User-Centered Design: Built based on comprehensive user research and feedback

Technical Excellence

  • Cross-Device Optimization: Responsive design ensuring compatibility across all devices
  • SEO Implementation: Applied search engine optimization methods to enhance discoverability
  • Performance Optimization: Fast loading times and efficient resource management
  • Automated Deployment: Seamless CI/CD pipeline using GitHub Pages

Development Highlights

Research-Driven Development

  • Conducted user research to identify pain points in campus service access
  • Analyzed existing UT Austin digital infrastructure gaps
  • Designed solutions based on actual student needs and usage patterns

Technical Approach

  • Static Site Architecture: Chose Jekyll for optimal performance and maintainability
  • Cost-Effective Solution: Implemented zero-cost hosting and maintenance model
  • Scalable Design: Built with future expansion and feature additions in mind
  • Mobile-First Development: Ensured excellent user experience across all device types

Skills Demonstrated

  • Full-Stack Development: End-to-end web application development
  • User Research: Identifying and addressing real user needs
  • SEO Optimization: Implementing effective search engine strategies
  • Responsive Design: Cross-platform and cross-device compatibility
  • Project Management: Independent project execution from conception to deployment

Impact and Recognition

The UT01 platform successfully addressed a real need in the UT Austin community, as evidenced by the 10,700+ visits and continued user engagement. The project demonstrates the ability to identify community problems, conduct research, and develop technical solutions that provide genuine value to users.

Future Development

The platform continues to evolve based on user feedback and changing campus needs, with ongoing maintenance and feature additions planned to further enhance the user experience.