MIT Unified Portal
Reimagining Access to Lifelong Learning at MIT
PROJECT OVERVIEW
To reimagine lifelong learning at scale, MIT tackled a challenge many legacy institutions face: the complexity that comes with innovation over time. With a dozen digital learning platforms scattered across its ecosystem, learners found it hard to navigate—and even internal teams struggled to stay aligned. In 2024, MIT launched a bold initiative to unify its offerings into a single learner-centric platform, grounded in deep research, stakeholder alignment, and brand clarity. The result was more than a website—it was a transformational shift in how MIT shows up to the world. With seamless discovery, personalized learning pathways, and integrated AI tools, the new portal not only simplifies access to knowledge but reflects MIT’s future-forward vision. It’s a case study in turning complexity into clarity, and fragmentation into momentum.
See more here: learn.mit.edu
PHASE 1: Stakeholder Alignment, Research & Strategic Vision
We dove into the complexity. A dozen stakeholder interviews quickly doubled as we uncovered deep cross-functional tensions and hidden opportunities. MIT’s ecosystem wasn’t just broad—it was political and interconnected. Through interviews and listening sessions, we identified key tensions.
In parallel, we conducted learner research across four key personas—Academic, MicroDegree, Professional, and Lifelong. Key insights included:
Learners didn’t differentiate between MITx, xPro, etc.—they came for MIT.
Search and discovery were fractured.
Learners craved guidance and clarity in their journeys.
MIT’s brand was powerful, but the user experience lacked cohesion.
The Outcome:
We co-created a shared vision and strategic direction, documented in a robust Project Charter and delivered via stakeholder workshops. From this, we defined five Signature Moments to shape the future learner experience.
PHASE 2: Designing the Future Experience
We brought the strategy and 5 Signature Moments to life through prototypes. Each Signature Moment became a feature—designed through research, tested with users, and shaped to differentiate MIT in a crowded market.
How it came to life:
Search & Discovery: A unified search bar that pulls results across all non-degree offerings—free, paid, technical, executive.
Brand Navigation: A clear architecture that helps users understand MIT’s ecosystem without needing insider knowledge.
Personalized Results: A recommendation quiz that aligns offerings to learner goals.
Explore Pathways: Curated journeys organized by topic—not org structure—guiding learners from curiosity to commitment.
Compare: A side-by-side tool to help busy professionals choose the right course quickly.
Together, these created MIT’s first truly integrated digital learning experience.
THE IMPACT
This wasn’t just a website—it sparked institutional momentum. As we wrapped Phase 2, a new leader from MIT Sloan came aboard, bringing fresh vision and energy. He embraced the platform, pushed for bolder execution, and approved a powerful upgrade: AI integration.
With a centralized structure in place, MIT could now personalize learning in real time. Learners could search, navigate, and even ask questions inside videos and assignments—guided by AI assistants.
One team member shared:
“The story is not just that you can search. The story is now you have the data in one place. You can build better UX. Personalization. This isn’t just a storefront—it’s a platform.”
The unified portal enabled capabilities the old system never could. It’s a case study in how clarity, collaboration, and design can transform even the most complex institutions.
And the learner? For the first time, they can search, explore, compare, and commit—guided by MIT, not confusion.
The work continues, but the impact is already real. From AI-powered experiences to internal cultural shifts and future expansion in Africa, the seeds planted through this platform are beginning to grow.
As one leader put it: