ABOUT THIS WEBSITE
Web Design and Graphics
Ravi Ammigan
Graphic Design Intern
Jeffrey Zenner
Photography
Principal Photography:
Ravi Ammigan, Jeffrey Zenner
Additional Photography:
Jay Rodman
Index Page Photography from the MSU Global Focus competition:
"Wuyipeng Giant Panda Camp": Scott Bearer
"Horse Drawn Trap on Inis Mor": Louise Cooley
"Watchful Serenity": Linda Roberts
"Parade Rehearsal": Donald Roberts
"Untitled": Sofia Wahaj
"Friends Sharing a Peaceful Moment": John Funkhouser
The Gewebe Project
In Spring 2006, OISS began work on its new website redesign. The project was named "The Gewebe Project" and was launched on October 9, 2006. Below is some of the original project planning documentation.
INTRODUCTION
The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) at Michigan State University (MSU) is currently working towards a new design for its website. The redesign will seek to provide greater efficiency and ease of use for the End-User through better organization and navigation of materials. It will provide a more intuitive, user-centered system and a flatter website hierarchy for easy access and search of information.
SECTIONS FOR REVIEW
1. Content (what topics, facts, types of information need to be available)
2. Features (what can a user do within the site; what tasks are technically supported)
3. Organization (how are links grouped and labeled)
4. Navigation (how a user moves through the site, and knows his/her current location within the site)
5. Functionality (how well does the system respond)
6. Terminology (how are resources labeled and described)
7. Visual Design (how does the site look and feel)
8. Access (new URL: oiss.msu.edu)
NEW FEATURES
1. Search engine
2. Forms index
3. Forum/message board
4. Polls and surveys
5. Feedback/suggestion box
6. Community partners/prospective employers section
7. Information for dependents section
8. Photos and labels (cover stories and banners)
DEVELOPMENT
Phase I: Research, Content, and Define Scope
The current structure –problems, possible solutions, and improvements
Identify model websites (in function, navigation, and design interface)
Initial proposal for redesign
Identify audiences and conduct internal and external focus groups/online surveys
Phase II: Design Site Architecture, Content, and Interface
Navigation map
Label and introduction for each section (collective)
Forms review (collective)
Graphics: Photo/header selection
Define color/font template
Mock-up HTML pages + feedback
Test navigation
Proofread content and forms (collective)
Phase III: Construction
Finalize index and content HTML templates/structure
Place applets and functions on index/all pages
Phase IV: Testing and Tuning
Final testing and modifications
Upload
Configure new URL/redirect old site
Go Live
Determine launch date
Media relations: press release and promotion (students & scholars, MSU departments, community partners)
Post Go-Live
Extranet review and redesign
File redesign and development documentation
ONLINE SURVEY
Method
Random samples representing 350 international students and scholars, faculty, and staff were selected from OISSInfo and invited by email to voluntarily take the online survey. A participation rate of 15% (51 participants) was obtained:
(16) International Students (Graduate)
(8) International Students (Undergraduate)
(3) International Scholar
(10) Department Administrators
(9) Other staff
(4) Faculty
(1) Alum
The online survey was developed by Ravi Ammigan, using the WebSurveyor 4.1 application. It is hosted on the Advertising Department server.
Link to online survey (not activated): http://research.adv.msu.edu/ss/wsb.dll/ammigan/oissweb.htm .
Survey Questions & Summary of Results
1. What is your status at MSU? (Choose One)
2. Where are you using this Website from? (Choose One)
3. How often do you use the OISS Website?
4. What do you use the OISS website for?
(Percentages) |
Often |
Sometimes |
Rarely |
Never |
Enrollment information |
12.2% |
24.4% |
12.2% |
51.2% |
Employment information |
18.6% |
23.3% |
25.6% |
32.6% |
Travel information |
17.1% |
39.0% |
17.1% |
26.8% |
Change of status information |
20.5% |
25.6% |
15.4% |
38.5% |
Scholarships and loans |
9.1% |
25.0% |
25.0% |
40.9% |
Social security and tax |
12.2% |
29.3% |
19.5% |
39.0% |
Information for dependents |
4.9% |
24.4% |
22.0% |
48.8% |
Workshops, sessions, and activities |
17.8% |
33.3% |
22.2% |
26.7% |
Int'l student organizations |
15.6% |
22.2% |
26.7% |
35.6% |
Information on inviting scholars |
23.9% |
15.2% |
23.9% |
37.0% |
Other (Please specify below) |
18.5% |
14.8% |
7.4% |
59.3% |
5. How would you rate the OISS website? (5=highest, 1=lowest)
(Percentages) |
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
Professional look and design |
21.6% |
41.2% |
23.5% |
5.9% |
7.8% |
Navigation and ease of use |
15.7% |
43.1% |
23.5% |
11.8% |
5.9% |
Accuracy of information |
41.2% |
43.1% |
11.8% |
0.0% |
3.9% |
Trustworthiness of content |
44.0% |
46.0% |
6.0% |
2.0% |
2.0% |
What aspects of the OISS website do you LIKE most and why?
¦ Comprehensive and reliable content
¦ Clear and logical headings and sections
¦ Forms and documents available online for download
¦ PDF fillable forms
What aspects of the OISS website do you DISLIKE the most and why?
¦ Not all logos are hyperlinked
¦ Too much content on index page
¦ Index page is too crowded and overwhelming
¦ Bad pictures and graphics (quality and relevance)
¦ Organization of information is scattered and difficult to find
¦ Not all forms are in PDF format
¦ Poor/dull design and color scheme
¦ No feedback mechanism
¦ Difficult to navigate and find information
¦ Irregular font size and character throughout the website
¦ Too many steps involved to find information
What is your favorite educational website and why?
¦ www . art.msu.edu
¦ www.msu.edu
¦ www.wikipedia.org
¦ www.hio.harvard.edu
¦ www.lib.msu.edu
¦ www.exploratorium.edu
¦ www.egr.msu.edu/egr
What other campus websites do you use frequently? What is your opinion of those?
¦ www.msu.edu (Look and design, ease of navigation, quick links)
¦ www.msuspartans.com (design, pictures, navigation, user-friendly)
¦ www.uabevents.com (informative)
¦ www.lib.msu.edu (look and design)
¦ www.prl.msu.edu (informative)
¦ www.fce.msu.edu (up-to-date information)
¦ www.imsports.msu.edu (look and design)
Describe any ideas for new content or features you would like to see on the new OISS website.
¦ Public forum and message board
¦ Simple and easy-to-navigate layout
¦ Fresh look and design (consistent color and font scheme)
¦ Introduce new photos and graphics
¦ Better calendar of events
¦ Feedback and suggestion box
¦ Useful links (currency exchange rates, international travel agents, international weather reports)
¦ Make all forms fillable PDFs
¦ FAQ section and examples of completed forms for department administrators
¦ More information on Permanent Residency
¦ More information about countries students are from
¦ Better scholarship and grants page
Conclusion
The summary of the results obtained from participants reveals the following:
¦ A professional and consistent graphic design that is up to the standards set for an organization's print publications is essential.
¦ Although looks and design are clearly important, users still expect a homepage that is focused primarily on information rather then brand.
¦ With a focus on information being the primary goal, optimal utilization of the limited real estate within a browser window is essential. Given that members were put off by home pages that offered too much information, as well as not enough, the designer must carefully consider what information to show, and how to effectively label that which is on sub pages.
¦ There is a clear need for an interactive format with the introduction of forums, message boards, drop-down menus, calendar of events, and feedback tools.
¦ The information on the home page should clearly indicate the purpose of the web site, as well as the organization behind it. The purpose of OISS as an administrative unit, rather than an academic unit, needs to be conveyed clearly on the new site. |
