This study applies a streamlined User-Centered Design (UCD) approach, enhanced with AI elements, to address common administrative challenges faced by international students, such as information fragmentation and unclear processes. Using National University (NU) as a case study, the research followed core UCD stages to develop the prototype of the NU International Student Services (NUISS). These stages included task analysis informed by user stories, persona development, prototype design, and a heuristic evaluation. The high-fidelity prototype integrates three key modules-Visa Services, Certification, and Paymentwith an AI-powered assistant for proactive, personalized support. The structure is designed to enhance accessibility and minimize cognitive load. An evaluation that centered on "consistency and standards" uncovered major interface problems; this led to design refinements that boosted visual clarity and balance in a significant way. The final prototype shows that applying UCD principles in a focused way, combined with AI enhancements, can create efficient and user-friendly administrative experiences, and it offers a replicable model for similar educational contexts.
Huang et al. (Thu,) studied this question.