Why is user experience important for grant management software solutions?
A good user experience – also known as UX – is integral to the AIMS product. We are often asked by prospective clients why it matters so much to us, and why it should matter to them.
We believe that a well designed UX is critical for the success of a grant management system, for several reasons. Our decades of experience in a wide variety of grant giving sectors has shown us the difference that good user experience can make to administrators, grant applicants and grant givers.
Efficiency
A well designed UX can streamline your grant management process, making it more efficient and saving time for both grant administrators and applicants. We have evidence to demonstrate that clear navigation, intuitive interfaces and well organised information can help users easily access and submit the necessary documents, track progress and manage other essential tasks. Efficiency in administrative systems leads to increased productivity and reduced overhead costs.
User adoption
A pleasant and positive user experience increases the likelihood of adoption and acceptance of a grant management system. If users – whether internal or external – find the system difficult to use, or unappealing to look at, they may resist using it or try to find work-around solutions (or even an alternative system). By ensuring that your system is never confusing or frustrating, grant managers can encourage higher user adoption rates, increased repeat applications and better accountability as all stakeholders are more likely to actively participate in the grant management process.
Accuracy
Many grant management systems involve complex processes and compliance requirements. A user-friendly interface reduces errors by guiding users through the necessary steps and highlightly important information when and where required. A well-designed UX should provide clear instructions, validation checks and reminders, all of which support your users to adhere to compliance regulations and submit accurate data. Inputting accurate data helps ensure your reporting is reliable and useful.
Training
Grant management systems can have complex functionalities and processes. A well-designed UX reduces the learning curve for new users, enabling them to quickly understand how to use the system and perform tasks effectively. This reduces the time and resources required for training and support, making it easier for organisations to onboard new staff or grant applicants.
Accessibility
A good UX should make your grant management system usable by individuals with access needs. By incorporating accessibility features such as screen readers, keyboard navigation, and adjustable font sizes, the system becomes more inclusive, allowing a broader range of users to participate in the grant management process.
Collaboration
We understand that grant management processes often involve multiple stakeholders – including administrators, reviewers, applicants and auditors. A good UX facilitates collaboration by providing easy access to shared documents, enabling communication and feedback, whilst also maintaining accountability and data protection through permissions. A user-friendly interface can promote efficient collaboration and improve communication between different parties involved in the grant management process.
User satisfaction
If a grant management system offers a positive user experience, it will support long term engagement from all stakeholders. When users find a system easy to navigate, understand, and use, they are more likely to have a positive perception of the system and feel supported in their tasks. This satisfaction can lead to increased user engagement, better data quality, and a higher likelihood of achieving the intended goals of the grant management process. And, ultimately, it will lead to a positive perception of your organisation from applicants and stakeholders.
By considering the needs and expectations of your system’s users, we know organisations can create a more effective and user-friendly environment for managing grants. Get in touch to ask us how we can support you and your users to enjoy using your grant management software solution – we’re here to help.