Past Research

Visitor Reactions

“ Prospective students should have more stories, more pictures, mountains, sun. Things that interest kids.”

“ Financial aid information was tough to find; I didn’t know how to sign up for FAFSA.”

“ I’d like links directly to the majors. The embedded links in the text are too confusing and take too many clicks.”

“ [The sites] info seems buried.”

“ I don’t know what it is that they are trying to accomplish with this home page.”

“ I pretty much gave up on DU’s site.”

Main Problem: Hard to Find Info

» Academic Programs » Tuition & financial aid » Student life » DU’s uniqueness » Important links hidden

Root Cause: Decentralization

» Scattered information across independent sites » Duplicated content » Inconsistent architecture, design & voice

A New Approach: Focus on People

» Internal vs. external » Audience needs drive successful Web sites » Deliver the right content to the right person at the right time

Advantages

» Clearly organized content based on visitor needs » Personalized site experience » Consistent architecture, design & voice

Visitor Reactions: Take 2

“ I think it’s pretty. I know I like it more than the current site.”

“ All the information I need—looking here—is right on the front page.”

“ Makes sense for the site to revolve around programs instead of schools and departments.”

“ That was pretty easy.”