FlashLine, the user portal for all Kent State University students, faculty, and staff, is currently in the process of a major update. Information Services (IS) has partnered with the Division of Student Affairs to involve students as key contributors to the new design and functionality of the portal. The development phase, referred to as FlashLine Beta, will be released in multiple stages so continuous feedback from the Kent State community can be integrated along the way.
Individual user personalization is a vital aspect to the update. FlashLine Beta includes significant enhancements to the overall functionality and the user experience. However, the focus of the update is the added ability to customize the presentation of information by each individual user. By allowing users to personalize their layout and messages, they will receive the information and notifications most pertinent to them.
A focus group of student leaders provided feedback during the first stage of development. Their feedback – including comments on the overall design and functionality of the portal – was implemented into the second iteration, which reached over 1,000 students. The third stage is an “open beta,” meaning it is accessible to anyone with active Kent State credentials and is focused on gaining feedback from faculty and staff.
FlashLine Beta can be accessed by selecting the “Try the Beta!” link above the login or in the top right next to the action icons if already logged in. Plans to replace the current portal with the new version are scheduled for June 2016.