Komunikasi Visual dalam Antarmuka Aplikasi Mobile: Strategi Penyampaian Informasi Akademik Universitas Terbuka kepada Calon Mahasiswa

Abstract

As an institution implementing an open and distance learning system, Universitas Terbuka (UT) requires digital communication media capable of effectively delivering academic information to prospective students. Although various information channels are available, prospective students still face difficulties in obtaining comprehensive, integrated, and user-friendly academic information. This study aims to design a mobile application-based digital communication medium to support the delivery of academic information to prospective Universitas Terbuka students using the Design Thinking approach. A quantitative survey was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed to Indonesian senior high school students, vocational high school students, and graduates aged 17–40 years who intended to pursue higher education. Data from 72 eligible respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics and subsequently informed the Design Thinking process to develop a mobile application-based digital communication prototype. The resulting prototype accommodates prospective students' primary information needs, particularly regarding study programs, tuition fee simulation, and admission procedures through an integrated platform. The findings demonstrate that integrating survey-based user insights with Design Thinking can produce a user-centered digital communication medium that has the potential to strengthen Universitas Terbuka's digital communication strategy for delivering academic information to prospective students.