Bernell DorroughUpperclassmen accustomed to Washington University’s old beige and red Web site were in for a surprise when they plugged in their Ethernet cable. The University’s redesigned Web site has been in the works since the beginning of last semester, when possible designs were proposed to administrative committees and feedback was given on the submissions.
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Network and Library Technology and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Mary Ellen Benson led the effort to redesign the University’s Web site.
According to University Webmaster Gail Wright, a desire to overhaul the Web site’s look drove primarily drove the changes this time around.
“We attempt to refresh the University Web site approximately every two years, which is typical for institutions like ours,” said Wright. “The changes this time were primarily aesthetic, with much of the content remaining the same organizationally. We have attempted to keep the links up-to-date and to make sure all the information is current but there shouldn’t be many navigational surprises. ÿThe old page was no longer compatible with newer browsers and we’re striving this time for universal compatibility over a flashier appearance.”
The previous update of the Web page took place in 2000. At the time, a committee formed by Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton collected recommendations and consulted faculty and students in order to gauge their needs.
“[The last redesign] was such a massive overhaul of the way the information was presented,” said Benson.
While its appearance is the most obvious change to the website, some modifications have resulted in disappointed responses.
“The new campus directory search has become completely uninformative,” said sophomore Pam Bookbinder. “The old version gave a student’s phone number, their major and their year. Now you can only find out what a student’s email address is. I don’t see the difference between the campus directory search and Faces.”
Wright said that the changes to the campus directory are due in part to the change in the University’s e-mail system.
“Changes to the University Web site and the University directory were independent, yetÿcoincidental with respect to timing,” said Wright.ÿ”Changes to theÿdirectoryÿare a result of theÿ@wustl University e-mail address implementation.ÿ The @wustl technical team anticipates further changes andÿencouragesÿmembers of the University community to test the new directory and comment on what does and doesn’t work.”
A recent e-mail addressing concerns about the new email system advised that students can contact the school with any complaints that may have.
According to Wright, the impetus to change the Web site came not only to modify its appearance, but also to attract potential students.
“Of course, we hope our new Web site will attract potential and current students, faculty, staff, friends, and alumni,” said Wright.
Wright added that the University plans to keep an eye on how the changes are received by the Web site’s users.
“One of the most important changes we made this redesign was to put the search engine front and center on every page we create and edit,” she said. “We carefully analyze our Web site statistics and try to make the best decisions about what stays and what goes based on usage, or lack thereof. We have been working on this redesign for well over a year and will begin the process again soon.”