In this case study, we delve into a site visit which we provided for Swansea University. The site visit aimed to gather feedback from students regarding branded promotional merchandise. The goal was to understand student preferences, expectations, and perceptions regarding university-branded items, ultimately enhancing student engagement and fostering a sense of community.
Swansea University, established in 1920, is renowned for its research-led programs and commitment to providing an exceptional student experience. Nestled in the coastal city of Swansea, Wales, the university prides itself on its vibrant academic environment and diverse student community.
During the site visit, the primary objective was to engage directly with Swansea University students to gain a deeper understanding of their opinions on branded merchandise. The focus of the site visit was to collect feedback through structured focus group discussions, online anonymous surveys and casual conversations. The data was then given to the staff at the university so that they could buy merchandise which engages students with merchandise items which they like and want to keep.
The activities at the site visit.
Throughout the day, a variety of engaging activities were offered for both students and staff to participate in.
Focus group sessions.
Two focus group sessions were conducted, bringing together a mix of students and staff. These sessions were designed to discuss favourite merchandise, preferences, and potential improvements, fostering open dialogue and honest feedback.
Merchandise showcase.
A designated display area showcased a diverse range of branded items, including previous orders and various merchandise options. Students and staff had the opportunity to interact with these items, providing real-time feedback on design, functionality, and appeal. They were also able to see merchandise examples of previous jobs, to get a good insight into how merchandise should look and also how it can be used.
One-to-one discussions.
Key stakeholders, such as department representatives, procurement, and marketing personnel, participated in one-to-one discussions. These conversations allowed for deeper insights and provided valuable context to the feedback gathered from students. We also offered snacks to the students and staff to engage them and entice them over to the stand.
The outcome of the site visit.
The findings from the site visit provided valuable insights into several key areas.
Merchandise preferences.
Students universally appreciated eco-friendly merchandise options and favoured garments/wearables like hoodies, t-shirts, and socks, emphasizing comfort and design.
Design and branding.
Clean and minimal designs with subtle university branding were favoured, and the university's colours of blue and white resonated well with students.
Quality and durability.
Students had high expectations for durable materials and expressed interest in sustainable alternatives.
Distribution channels.
Campus events were identified as ideal platforms for introducing new students to merchandise, with many preferring to purchase directly from such events.
The site visit to Swansea University provided valuable insights into student preferences and expectations regarding branded merchandise. By incorporating the feedback obtained, the university can enhance its offerings, strengthen its sense of community, and further enrich the student experience, reflecting its commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus environment. Based on the findings, several recommendations were proposed to enhance student engagement through branded merchandise, including expanding customization options, collaborating with student societies, exploring sustainable alternatives, and improving the online platform for convenient access to merchandise.
Contact us.
If you're interested in conducting your student engagement insights with a site visit, you can apply here. For further assistance or advice on promotional merchandise ideas, you can reach out to our team via email at sales@extravaganza.uk.com or by calling 0116 285 2417. Our team is dedicated to providing free quotes, visuals, and samples to ensure you have a clear idea of your merchandise before making a purchase.