Pathways Studio
We redesigned McMaster’s Mosaic course selection to turn a stressful, fragmented process into a collaborative, career-aligned experience. This project was completed in association with McMaster University Administration.
Role
Product Designer
Duration
2 months
Company
McMaster University
The Challenge
Course selection felt like “making bets on my future” (student). Mosaic forced students to scour scattered information across PDFs, emails, and Reddit threads, leaving students anxious, staff overwhelmed, and faculty mismatched with unprepared students.
How might we help graduate students feel confident, informed, and supported as they shape their personal academic and career journey?
Our Research
Insights
Students are program co-designers of their education (want flexible planning + mentoring).
Faculty want more meaningful engagement.
Admins spend hours answering repeat questions.
Our Multi-dimensional Solution
Course Exploration Filter by career clusters; see cross-department courses.
Course Information Pages Clear objectives, professor philosophy, built-in eligibility + one-click meeting.
Planning Dashboard Drag-and-drop pathways, real-time requirement tracking, “what-if” planning.
Testing and Iteration
Added real-time conflict warnings (students missed overlaps).
Simplified academic jargon (clearer language).
Streamlined professor contact (1-click from course page).
Impact and Next Steps
"This is something we should implement.’”
Pathway Studio reframes enrollment as strategic planning. Students gain confidence, faculty meet better-prepared learners, and admin load decreases.
