Author: Michelle L. Park
The web redesign committee recently released a mock-up for the proposed homepage of Occidental’s new website, expected to be launched in the early part of this summer. Web Committee Chair Brett Schraeder and Director of Communications James Tranquada are hoping the $150,000 to $200,000 redesign project will be completed in time for Alumni Weekend events in mid-June.
A driving force behind the redesign of the website stems from discontent with the current website.
“Our current website doesn’t give a good sense of the texture of the college and the many great things that are done here on a daily basis. We hope that the new design allows everyone to connect with Oxy in a way that is meaningful to them,” Schraeder said.
Schraeder stressed the importance of an aesthetically-appealing website that successfully communicates academic and social life at the college.
“Obviously, for most people, the web is their main and often first source of information, so it serves as the virtual front door for the college,” Schraeder said, noting that most prospective students’ first impression of a college is based on its website.
According to Schraeder, the overall goal of the redesign is to do a better job of telling the “Oxy story.”
Working with White Whale, a web design company based out of Oakland who has worked with clients such as Middlebury College, Kenyon College and Colorado College, the web redesign committee settled on a homepage concept of “Here and Now.” Visitors will be able to scroll between the “Here” and “Now” side of the homepage, depending upon the type of content they are interested in.
“The left side of the design (“Here”) is driven by photography. These photos. . .are intended to give a general sense of ‘what Oxy looks like’ from different perspectives,” the web redesign blog states. “The right side, ‘Now,’ is all about what’s happening at Oxy right now. News, events, research spotlights, profiles, even tweets— a visitor should be able to get a good sense at a glance of what’s important today at Oxy.”
One challenge in designing a new website is catering to the wide audience the college needs to serve, including current students, faculty, and staff, prospective students, alumni, parents and many more. In addition to creating an aesthetically appealing design, the committee has to ensure that it serves each audience well.
To view the prototype and voice opinions on the website redesign, users may go to web redesign blog at http://college.oxy.edu/webredesign/. So far, most of the commentary has been very positive, according to Schraeder. Most comments left supported the design, but also offered suggestions on specific design elements.
“I like the Here/Now concept, its something pretty unique. I also like the interactive feel with the various pictures. As the website grows, more and more features can be added so there’s a wide variety of pictures,” a comment under the name “Utsav” read.
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