Show Me Some Designs Already!
OK. It’s time to look at the new site design. But first, a little background…
The “blue sky” and “jumper” designs were a first not only for Austin Peay, but for higher ed Web sites in general. It was groundbreaking and fun. However, it also came with much contention. Users found the combination of the blue sky background with copy text to be conflicting, not offering enough contrast to be completely readable. This became even more of a problem when any non-black text was used. Also, the jumpers were an eye-catching entrance into our Web site. However, the promotion of campus news and events, emergency notification and general information suffered. APSU has wonderfully talented students in and out of the classroom. Also, our faculty and staff are making noteworthy strides in their fields. We wanted to highlight these accomplishments as much as possible. We also wanted to better promote the great cultural, social and athletic events that Austin Peay has to offer both on-campus and to the community at large. This feature was lacking terribly in our current design.
So, what did we do to relieve these issues?
Home Page
- More campus news promotion
- More campus event promotion
- Rotating slideshow highlighting student/faculty/staff success stories
- More quick links for easier navigation
- A dedicated area for campus emergency notification
- Integrated search capabilities
Click to open full-size image
Secondary Pages
- Integrated search capabilities
- Easier to read text and navigation
- Flexibility for new designs/additions
Click to open full-size image
But not all is new. In an effort to continue consistency with our current Web site and printed publications, the “blue sky” has been re-produced in the new design. We find these colors to work well with the Austin Peay red.
Look for many of the top-tier pages to move to this new design in August. In the weeks leading up to this change, we will go more in-depth into some of the specific changes to the site. We hope you find them to be positive and helpful in your use of the APSU Web site.
July 18th, 2008 at 9:03 am
I really like the new website design plan! It looks to be navigable and functional, but also attractive to the eye. I can’t wait to see it when it is up and running! Great job!
July 18th, 2008 at 9:03 am
I think the new design looks great. It is easy to read and navigate, and I think it will help prospective students get a better idea as to why APSU is great as well as help keep current students and staff connected.
July 18th, 2008 at 11:31 am
I love the new site. It looks like its easier to navigate and students will have an easier time finding things.
A job well done!!
July 18th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
I also like the new design! Ease of navigation is so important for new students. Nontraditional students and parents of traditional-age students will especially appreciate the improvements. Thanks!
July 18th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
I really don’t understand why everyone likes the 2001 design so much…If I were a student in 2001, where would I click? There is no link for current students, no a-z index…I just don’t like it…However, I love the current one and the upcoming one…They agree with the time period and look very well…I’m excited to type in apsu.edu and find something new and interesting in the fall…
July 21st, 2008 at 9:57 am
I like the proposed one better than the current one. However, why not have a “hot links” or “most visited pages” sidebar or something similar on the front page that lists those websites that are being visited most often. That way, visitors could see what other visitors are looking at for that week or that month.
What I hate is having to hunt and peck my way through to find AP Self-Service, APmail or D2L.
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Make ‘smart’ URL’s that redirect to the appropriate pages…
apsu.edu/D2L
apsu.edu/apmail
apsu.edu/register
apsu.edu/schedule
…
I also like the Eric’s idea to have most visited links listed.
July 30th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I like what I see of the new ones, but they seem to have a lot more copy than the current home page. What I like about the current page (yes, it’s time to retire the jumpers) is the fact the copy and links are somewhat minimal — so I have always found it very easy to navigate. Very uncluttered, and I like that. Appreciate all the work that has been put into the redesign.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
If you want to go and play with the new webpage the website is http://www.apsu.edu/beta
August 5th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Thank you for that. But PLEASE keep in mind that this is still a work in progress. Development of the site continues until we go live later this month.
So, if there is something you don’t like, it may change!
August 5th, 2008 at 11:55 am
When looking at the previews, the side panel looks a lot cleaner on “Secondary Pages”. As you filter down in the preview picture… it says “Office of the Registrar” then below that is “Housing and Residence Life”. It looks a lot easier navigating and subnavigating all in one spot than the current situation. Also, it looks like every page will stay consistent so you down have to go all the way back to the main page to find where you need to go.
September 25th, 2008 at 10:15 am
The new website will be conducive to all who enter. No more jumping, yes. It really looks very attractive and not too much information where you get overwhelmed. Good job!!!!