How to build a university mobile application: best practice and insight

We asked technology professionals who have developed mobile apps for universities to share what they have learned throughout the process

Nicholas Oliver is creative technical director at communications agency TheBlueHive and formerly creative technology and project manager at Precedent Communications, @nicoliver86

Don’t get bogged down in the large strategy development surrounding digital – consider short term solutions and wins too

During my time at Precedent, we noticed that universities are shifting away from creating recruitment apps, and are looking more at developing applications that benefit existing students. These serve a dual purpose. As well as improving the student experience they also enable prospective students to see what really happens at the university and feel a part of student life before they enrol.

As mobile is relatively new universities seem to be struggling to find quick solutions while they develop their wider digital strategy. One short term solution is the creation of mobile optimised templates for their existing website; this is a quick win at a relatively low cost.

Our first education sector mobile app was for Southampton University, it helped Southhampton deliver prospectus style content in an innovative way.

We are currently seeing a large number of universities exploring mobile. Unfortunately it seems like many are getting bogged down in large strategy development. It is important to ensure that even when developing a wider integrated strategy, to consider short term solutions and wins. Digital channels move too quickly to wait six to 12 months.