Unity Environmental University is a mission-driven institution based in the United States, known for its focus on environmental science, sustainability, and experiential learning. Formerly Unity College, the university has recently undertaken a transformation—expanding its programs and embracing a hybrid delivery model that meets the needs of a broader, more diverse student cohort. With a renewed brand and strategic vision, Unity is committed to delivering accessible, flexible education that equips learners for impact in an environmentally conscious world.
As part of this transition, Unity sought to modernise its learning management system to reflect its evolved identity, support student success, and stand out in an increasingly competitive higher education market.
Unity faced several strategic and operational challenges:
Their existing Canvas LMS was fragmented in design, lacked a consistent learner experience, and didn’t reflect their bold new brand.
Students were not receiving adequate signposting or timely access to critical information.
The university wanted to go beyond Canvas’s default functionality to create a seamless, intuitive, and visually engaging platform.
There was a pressing need to uplift over 80 courses quickly, with a focus on structure, accessibility, and consistency.
In short, Unity required an LMS transformation that would match its innovative positioning and deliver an exceptional digital learning experience.
Curio partnered with Unity in a co-design process that blended strategic insight with practical delivery. Our collaboration included:
A series of UX/UI design workshops to understand student and instructor needs
Development of a unified Canvas template grounded in best-practice learning design
Custom enhancements within Canvas to provide streamlined navigation, alerts, and support features
Integration of Unity’s new brand identity across all courses, pages, and components
The project was delivered in a short timeframe, with Curio providing hands-on support to Unity’s internal teams to uplift courses rapidly and effectively.
90+ courses uplifted in just 10 weeks, aligned to a newly developed Canvas template
A consistent, learner-centric interface that improves usability and engagement
Innovative functionality added within the constraints of Canvas to support student workflows and information access
Positive user feedback from faculty and students noting enhanced clarity, organisation, and design
The upgraded Canvas LMS now plays a key role in Unity’s digital learning strategy, enhancing both student outcomes and brand impact.
Unity’s partnership with Curio demonstrates the power of thoughtful design and collaboration in digital learning transformation. It’s proof that even within the limits of a standard LMS, it’s possible to build something distinctive—something that puts learners first and delivers lasting institutional value.
Is your institution ready to rethink its LMS experience? Curio combines strategy, design, and platform expertise to deliver customised learning environments that work. Reach out to discover how we can help.