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Smith Web Sites Sporting a Fresh Look
Consistency,
a unified presentation and use of the latest technology are
some objectives behind the ongoing redesign of Web sites
on the Smith College server.
More than 20 of the college’s departmental Web sites have undergone a redesign
in the past year and a half (view the list at right). Still more are in the works.
Smith’s Web site consists of thousands of individual pages. Hundreds of those
pages are under the auspices of the college’s academic departments and programs.
The site is designed as a viewing brochure for prospective students.
Those students,
as they’re considering what college to attend, typically begin their search online.
“It’s important to keep a consistent branding,” said Annie Cahill, Web development
specialist in college relations, who is re-creating the sites, “so that when
a prospective student browses the Smith College site, all the pages will have
a unified look and feel.”
Cahill’s re-created Web sites emphasize a fresh look, as well as flexibility
for simple updating. She works closely with faculty and staff members to adhere
to their preferences and objectives in designing departmental sites.
Common features
of the redesigned sites include a carousel of rotating images
on the front page and potential interfaces to popular online
resources, such as social networking sites and other useful
links within the college.
Importantly, Cahill’s designs
are created to facilitate easy updating and management by various college personnel
in respective departments. “Our new design is more user-friendly,” she said, “and
because we’ve designed it, we are always available to help out or make changes
for departments.” |
