Interview: OFYP Web site redesign

This is the second in a several-part series of interviews with communicators who have redesigned or updated their Web sites with the University templates. If you have redesigned your site or have a site to suggest for these interviews, let us know.

In this edition: Forum member Bill O'Connor on the Office of First Year Programs (OFYP) Web site

What were your reasons for redesigning the site?
The OFYP site was last redesigned in 2006 by Kris Layon, so with the introduction of new U of M Web standards we decided the time was right. We also recognized that each year we were printing less and turning more to eCommunication. We realized that this was a great opportunity to streamline and improve our communication efforts.

What kind of user research or user testing did you do?
Every fall we host focus groups from the freshmen, transfer students, and parents that attended our summer programs. From that we were able to figure out what our users valued about the site, as well as what aspects we needed to change. We also talked with current students about their preferred Web tools and technology. Once the new site was created we went through usability testing through Usability Services.

What factors went in to the organization of the site?
We identified our various audiences and tried to create intuitive paths for every subject. As with every communication item we create, it always comes back to the question "where would you expect to find this information?" Sometimes it results in some creative duplication, but for the most part it works. We also had our content providers meet with Kristin Cleveland from University Relations to make sure that our content was appropriate for Web.

How did you think about the visual design of your site within the context of the University brand?
I like the idea of consistency and connection, especially when it benefits the end user. So we thought of the U branding as a frame that would connect OFYP to all people and resources throughout the U of M. For the past few years we have tried to connect the OFYP brand to our print communications by visual consistencies like color, images, etc.

What was the biggest challenge, and how did you get past it?
Our previous site was built and managed using Dreamweaver templates, but we wanted to move towards utilizing a content management system. We settled on a CMS called Joomla, which had a steep learning curve. Before switching to a content management system, we were managing multiple versions of the site for our seasonal content cycles.

How did you manage the project and keep it on track?
We were very specific with roles and expectations. I was the project manager; my intern Micah Spieler designed the layout, managed graphics and color, and made content updates; our technical specialist Josh Huston was responsible for programming, browser testing, Joomla training, etc.; and each of our program coordinators was responsible for creating and updating their content. We set a lengthy timeline, and built in enough flexibility to allow for changes.

What tips do you have for other units redesigning their Web sites?
Define your audience and what they need to know, get their input throughout the entire process, and build your site so that it is flexible and can be changed easily.

How are you evaluating the site's success?
We look at email and call volume, and with every question received we examine our communication (Web, email, print) to see how easy it is to find the answer. We constantly encourage feedback, and will host focus groups after the summer programming.