Case Study | Innovative Research Centre (IRC)

Project Overview

The IRC National Research Olympiad 2025 is Bangladesh’s inaugural nationwide research-based competition, organized by the Innovative Research Center (IRC). The Olympiad aims to foster scientific curiosity, encourage creative problem-solving, and build a strong foundation in academic research among Bangladeshi students. This case study outlines the development and key features of the associated website, designed to facilitate registration, provide information, and manage the competition process.

Objectives of the Website

The primary objectives for the IRC National Research Olympiad 2025 website were to:

• Serve as an information hub: Provide comprehensive details about the Olympiad, including its overview, objectives, timeline, and stages.
• Facilitate participant registration: Offer an intuitive and clear registration process for interested students across different categories.
• Outline participation criteria: Clearly define who can participate, including age/class categories.
• Explain the competition format: Detail the quiz-based selection for the divisional round and subsequent stages.
• Showcase recognition and awards: Highlight the benefits and accolades for participants.
• Address frequently asked questions: Provide answers to common queries regarding experience, fees, and certificates.
• Provide contact information: Offer channels for support and inquiries.
• Promote the Innovative Research Center (IRC): Introduce IRC’s mission and activities.

Target Audience

The website’s target audience includes:

• Students (Class 9-10, 11-12, University Undergraduate/Graduate): Prospective participants eager to learn about and register for the Olympiad.
• Parents and Educators: Individuals who might encourage or guide students to participate.
• Media and Partners: Entities interested in the scope and impact of the Olympiad.

Key Features and Functionality

Based on the provided document, the website likely incorporates the following sections and functionalities:

• Homepage/Landing Page: A welcoming interface with an overview of the Olympiad and a prominent “Registration Button.”
• Olympiad Overview Section: Detailed explanation of the competition’s purpose, stages (abstract submission, divisional quiz, mentorship, poster presentations), and benefits.
• About IRC Section: Information about the Innovative Research Center, its mission, and its role in promoting research.
• Registration Section:
  • Clear announcement of “Registration Now Open!” and the “Registration Deadline: 10 July 2025.”
  • Online Registration Form:
    • Personal Information: Fields for Full Name, Mobile Number, Email Address, Facebook Profile Link, and Gender.
    • Academic Information: Fields for Institution Name, Class/Year, Department/Subject, Division/District, and Category (Junior, Higher Secondary, Senior).
    • Commitment & Confirmation: Questions regarding previous research experience and motivation for joining, along with an agreement checkbox.
    • Payment Option: Indication of payment based on category selection.
    • Confirmation Message upon successful registration.
• Who Can Participate Section: Clearly lists the eligibility criteria for Junior, Higher Secondary, and Senior categories.
• Divisional Round – Quiz Based Selection Section: Explains the quiz format, including number of questions, duration, language, and online platform.
• Recognition & Awards Section: Details the awards for top performers, selection for the national round, certificates for finalists, and opportunities for featuring in IRC’s journal/blog and internships.
• Olympiad Timeline Section: A chronological breakdown of key dates for registration, quiz rounds, mentorship, final presentation, and award ceremony.
• FAQs Section: Addresses common questions about research experience, fees, and certificates.
• Contact Us Section: Provides the IRC website link and Facebook page for inquiries.

Design and User Experience Considerations

• Clarity and Simplicity: The content suggests a straightforward and easy-to-understand layout, crucial for a diverse student audience.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Given the online nature of the Olympiad and the widespread use of mobile devices in Bangladesh, the website should be designed to be fully responsive.
• Intuitive Navigation: Clear menus and calls to action (e.g., “Registration Button”) are essential for guiding users.
• Branding Consistency: Use of “From Curiosity to Contribution” tagline and the IRC logo to reinforce the Olympiad’s identity.
• Accessibility: Consideration for different internet speeds and device capabilities across Bangladesh.

Technical Aspects (Inferred)

• Web Hosting: Reliable hosting to handle anticipated traffic, especially during registration and quiz periods.
• Content Management System (CMS): A user-friendly CMS to easily update information, FAQs, and timelines.
• Online Quiz Platform Integration: Seamless integration with a secure online quiz platform capable of monitoring.
• Payment Gateway Integration: Secure payment processing for registration fees.
• Database Management: Secure storage of participant data, including personal and academic information, and quiz results.
• Email/SMS Integration: For sending confirmation messages and updates to participants.

Success Metrics (Post-Launch)

• Number of Registrations: Track total registrations and breakdown by category.
• Website Traffic: Monitor unique visitors, page views, and time spent on key pages (e.g., Olympiad Overview, Registration Form).
• Conversion Rate: Percentage of visitors who complete the registration process.
• User Feedback: Collect feedback on the website’s usability and clarity.
• Bounce Rate: Evaluate how many users leave the site after viewing only one page.

Challenges and Solutions (Potential)

• High Traffic During Peak Times: Implement robust server infrastructure and potentially CDN to manage spikes during registration deadlines and quiz rounds.
• User Support: Establish a clear contact process and potentially an online chat function to handle queries efficiently.
• Payment Processing Issues: Integrate with reliable and widely used payment gateways in Bangladesh.
• Ensuring Quiz Integrity: Implement strict monitoring features for the online quiz.
• Data Security: Implement strong security measures to protect participant data.

Conclusion

The IRC National Research Olympiad 2025 website is a critical component for the success of this pioneering event. By providing a clear, accessible, and functional platform, the website will effectively inform, engage, and register participants, ultimately contributing to the nurturing of future scientists and innovators in Bangladesh. The detailed information provided in the document serves as a strong foundation for a well-structured and user-centric website.