Mobile App Puts Viewbook in Students’ Hands
Mailboxes overflowing with glossy collegiate viewbooks may become a thing of the past, replaced by the cutting-edge interactive technology Millennial students expect.
Aimed at the new generation of digital natives, a new iPad application for the University of Dayton introduces prospective students to campus life through the interactive viewbook, engaging them with fast-moving video, bold graphics and opportunities to videoconference with admission counselors.
The new app designed exclusively for the computer tablet is already demonstrating global appeal: the free viewbook app has been downloaded in more than 20 countries, according to Sundar Kumarasamy, vice president for enrollment management.
And he says the iPad viewbook is spot-on in sending a powerful message about the University of Dayton.
“We want people to look at us as a cutting-edge, innovative school. Everything we want people to associate with a University of Dayton education is evident through this application,” Kumarasamy said.
He believes it’s the first time any university has adapted its viewbook for iPad technology. Adobe Digital Publishing is featuring it as a case study and showcasing its software use by 160over90, the University’s Philadelphia-based marketing agency, which created the app and the original print viewbook.
“We wanted to leverage the investment we had already made in print, but translate it into something much more interactive,” said Kumarasamy. “The computer tablet and iPad app allow us to put our viewbook in the hands of potential students and engage them as they explore it.”
The students will see videos and slideshows about academic facilities, study abroad opportunities, athletics and student life. The app provides live Twitter feeds and other immediate content as well as links to the University’s virtual tour, specific program pages and contact information.
The free app, introduced today (Oct. 17), is available at the iTunes store at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/university-dayton-undergraduate/id450784479?mt=8.
Photo courtesy: University of Dayton
