The process of redeveloping our websites causes us to carefully consider improvements.
Fortunately for us, we know about research by the Human-Computer Interaction, Usability, and Information Science fields that inform our best practices. Optimizing site structure and content are good places to start. We have developed a working information architecture that indicates which pages of content need to be edited or created. And there is a lot of content needed.
To distribute the workload, we’ve formed teams of writers to write or edit specific sections of our site. They’re writing upper level pages in a direct, lively voice and funneling their manuscripts through our managing editor, Katie Ellis, Communications Director. Katie’s job is to manage the writing teams’ production and ensure consistency of the work as a compendium. The product of this organized writing activity will be a collection of page manuscripts each defining all of the content elements needed to produce web pages using templates in the new CMS. This process will help expedite page production. Our web consulting firm, mStoner, is also assisting us by writing about 50 top level pages.
Other writing teams have formed or are now forming following training by University Communications and Marketing Office staffers. Training covers the basics of writing for the web and best practices. Student Affairs, External Affairs, the Graduate School and Admissions are among those involved. If you have content development needs we’ll be pleased to help you assess those needs and train your editors. Use the Contact link to the left to email me or contact Katie Ellis.