GU Web Site Redesign Efforts Underway

The University Web Management Team has held several focus group sessions throughout the month of June to obtain feedback from constituents throughout the University on the GU Web site redesign. Following is a brief description of the process, links to the redesigned home page and subpage, and a method for submitting your feedback to us.

More detailed information on the timeline of launching the redesign as well as any modifications to the Content Management System will be forthcoming in the near future.

 

Background

The proposed new Web site design is a collaborative effort among the members of the University Web Management Team.

There are several aspects of the current Web site that are being addressed: graphics, content and navigational structure being among the most important. Our current efforts are focused on updating the graphical look of the site. This will not include any changes to the Content Management System (Cascade) or the central navigation structure. It is our intention to improve those features after the new graphic design has been officially approved and launched.

The current Web site is now three years old. Its target audience was prospective undergraduate students, and embraced the design and colors of the Admissions Viewbook that was produced at that time.

 

New Look

The creation of two new Web-based staff positions within the last six months has given us adequate manpower to tackle a Web redesign in-house. Also, Gonzaga’s new visual identity system has demonstrated a significant increase in appeal to a wider demographic base.

After numerous meetings, six focus groups with faculty and staff, and research of other higher education Web sites, the University Web Management Team created a new design that we believe will resolve the majority of concerns users have with our current site, including:

  • Increased methods for navigation;
  • Large area for dynamic and interactive photos/content;
  • Creation of four banner ads to highlight specific university messages;
  • Addition of sub-content areas under six main categories (i.e., About, Admissions, Athletics, etc.);
  • New “drawer” concept along top of page for link-intensive information.

 

Wireframe

Below is a “wireframe” of the proposed new sections for the GU home page and a sub-tier page. Those elements on the Gonzaga home page are as follows:

  • Dynamic/Interactive area: The photos and any linked content will change frequently with this area. What you see on the initial redesigned page is for mock-up purposes only.
  • Demographic Links: These include Welcome to GU, Prospective Students, Current Students, etc. They are the same as the current site, but will have improved link pages behind them.
  • Main Navigation: These include About Gonzaga, Academics, Admissions, etc. Below these Main Navigation links will be six sub-links that are determined either by Web-based statistics or departmental needs.
  • Four Banner Ads: These ads will serve the same purpose as the existing single ad in the lower right-hand corner of the current site. Increasing the number of ads will allow for increased promotion and awareness of University-related events, news, deadlines, etc.
  • The Drawers: The drawers serve several purposes, including a method for faster navigation and access to frequently-used links. The drawers are especially helpful for users who are searching for specific information.
Main Page Wireframe Sub-tier Page Wireframe
*A wireframe is a basic visual outline that identifies the layout of fundamental elements on the page.

 

New Home Page

Click the buttons below to see the proposed redesign of the GU Web site main page or the GU Web site sub page.
*These pages are not fully functional. Their purpose is to show the new design and highlight the functionality of the "drawer" concept. Also, you may notice Latin text used within both page designs. It is used for purely layout purposes.

 

We Want Your Feedback

Let us know what you think about the Web site redesign. To submit your feedback, click on this link to complete a survey. Survey results will be disseminated to the University community in an upcoming edition of Morning Mail.

For additional questions about the Web site redesign, please contact Sabrina Jones at jones2@gonzaga.edu or ext. 6146.

 

Web Site Timeline

The University Web Management Team has identified a general timeline for updating the three major areas of the Web site:

  1. August 2008: Publically launch the new graphical look of the GU Web site.
  2. March 2009: Fine-tune the process used by University-wide Web content editors to maintain, update and approve Web-based content.
  3. June 2009: Improve the integrated functionality of the site, including navigation, organization and disability compliance.