UNC.edu redesign to improve accessibility
The University's home page will soon be redesigned in an attempt to improve its accessibility and better narrate what it means to be a UNC student.
"The University website should be a narrative of the University," said Nancy Davis, associate vice chancellor for University relations, who is helping lead the project.
After observing other schools' attractive websites, the Office of University Relations decided that it was time for an upgrade.
Other universities, such as N.C. State University and the University of Michigan, have recently incorporated new looks to their websites, said Scott Jared, Web content director, who is helping lead the project.
Some universities, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, have a new Web page design every day.
The project began about this time last year, Jared said. UNC first had to collect enough money for the redesign. The actual cost for the project is uncertain, but has a budget between $355,000 and $372,000.
During the first phase, Jared and his colleagues collected information on how the site could be improved.
They collected information through interviews and discussion with users, Information Technology Services and faculty experts. Some feedback indicated that the site's accessibility and content could be improved.
Members of the UNC community, as well as alumni and prospective students, still can complete a survey about the UNC website and be eligible to win one of five $50 iTunes gift cards.
"Phase one work will help us develop themes, find solutions to problems and create a site that uses narrative to tell stories about the contributions and lives of Carolina's faculty, staff and students in relevant ways," Jared said in an e-mail.
They want the new site to be more accessible and easy to navigate, as well as illustrate what it means to be a member of the Tar Heel community.
"The site and its stories should evoke important elements of Carolina — sense of place, vitality, heritage, accomplishments by individuals and groups," Jared said.
Capstrat, a Web strategy and graphic design company in Raleigh, will help UNC design the new site. The company, led by several UNC graduates, handles accounts for clients such as Progress Energy, RBC Bank and the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.
Phase two of the project will focus on creating a blueprint of what should go on to the site.
That will include discussion and collaboration among the staff of the University Relations office, Capstrat and faculty. The process will include aid from the School of Information and Library Science and School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Jared said that they estimate a sample template of the new website will be available for feedback on the current website in three to four weeks.
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