BDEasy is an app for student unions (BDE) that brings together student union life and the services offered to students: news, events, ticketing, shop, timetable, university canteen menu, interest-based channels and account management.
The app was originally built quickly with Claude, and its interface couldn’t handle the variety of ways it was used. The challenge was to rethink the experience end to end, for students and board members alike, without losing the logic of a tool designed to be adapted to each student union.
Research & process
I started by testing the existing app, screen by screen. The interface had a lot of colours, effects and icons. Some features were repeated in several places.
I went back over what already existed to group, simplify or remove.
For some screens, I drew inspiration from apps I use every day. On the student side, for example, the feed borrows some of Instagram’s codes. The community spaces build on habits from Reddit.
On the student union side, my experience as president let me design with a real knowledge of how it’s used. I know what a student needs, but also what a board needs when it has to manage a lot of information and people.
Art direction
I wanted to move away from the very busy original interface. BDEasy is a modular template: each student union adapts the app to its identity and needs. On that basis, I cut back the colours and effects to leave more room for information and customisation.
I built the components as I designed the screens. Once the recurring elements were identified, I gathered them into a reusable system.
I work with the developer to check what’s feasible. My programming knowledge helps me tell the difference between a small change and a new piece of logic to build. When an idea requires too much development, we look for a solution.
Result
The redesign includes every interface in the app, distinguishing student uses from board uses.
I also redesigned the BDEasy showcase website, with a younger, more contemporary direction. It presents the many features to future student union clients.
I test the app every day in real conditions. I report bugs and interface issues to keep improving the product.
Above all, this project let me work on a product that has to evolve with many users, many student unions and many identities. The design has to stay consistent while adapting to each board.
Today, BDEasy is used by 4 French student unions, with communities ranging from 150 to 2,500 students.
