FULTON | College of Pharmacy

University of Michigan
College of Pharmacy

Client

UM College of Pharmacy

Agency

Symmetri

Year

2024-25

Service

Web UX/UI Design

World-class web experience for a world-class institution

The University of Michigan College of Pharmacy needed a complete digital transformation. Their existing site couldn't communicate the depth of their research excellence, student experience, or academic leadership. The challenge: create a web presence worthy of one of the nation's top pharmacy programs while serving the needs of prospective students, current students, faculty, alumni, and industry partners.

User Research & Discovery
Information Architecture
Art Direction & Photography
UI & Visual Design

Solution

We began with extensive user research across all stakeholder groups — conducting interviews, building empathy maps, and mapping functional task flows to understand how different audiences navigate the site. This research shaped a new information architecture that prioritizes clarity and findability. Working closely with multiple departments, we rebuilt the entire backend from scratch while crafting a visual system that balances Michigan's strong brand heritage with a modern, approachable aesthetic. The design system emphasizes bold typography, generous whitespace, and strategic use of the iconic maize and blue to create hierarchy and guide users through complex content.

Results

The new site launched in early 2025 to overwhelming positive response. Prospective student engagement increased significantly, with clearer pathways to program information and admissions. Faculty and staff reported improved efficiency in updating content through the redesigned CMS. The visual refresh positioned the College as a forward-thinking leader in pharmaceutical education and research, while improved mobile experience and accessibility ensured the site serves all users effectively. The project stands as a model for how academic institutions can balance prestige with approachability in their digital presence.