The University of Bristol launched its redesigned corporate web today. The new web environment marks a dramatic improvement in the appearance, navigability, accessibility and usability of the University’s web.
All the ‘top-level’ pages of the site - for example, the homepage, news and events section, admissions information and publications - have been redesigned and reorganised in the first phase of an ongoing project aimed at improving and updating the University’s web presence.
The University recognises that an attractive and easy-to-use web is essential if it is to maintain a competitive position nationally and internationally. The development of the new corporate web is being carried out by the Public Relations Office of Communications and Marketing Services, in conjunction with Information Services.
New features include:
- Directory of Experts
Searchable database of University experts willing to talk to the media as authorities on particular subjects - expanded News and Events section
Regularly updated information on the University’s activities including a comprehensive What’s On section, current press releases, full news archive, and back copies of University News - a-z index
Dynamically generated comprehensive listing of faculties, departments, research centres, services, information sources and many other aspects of the University.
Urfan Ali, the University’s Web Editor, said: “It has certainly been a rollercoaster of an experience. We’ve achieved a great deal but there is still a lot more to do and I’m very excited about some of the items we are planning to deliver in the next phases.'
The next phases of web redevelopment will include:
- the creation of a range of easy-to-use branded templates for departments to use if they wish;
- the introduction of rich multimedia to make the site more dynamic and interactive.
The launch of the web coincides with the unveiling of the University’s new visual identity, which has been used to brand the site. Key elements of the University coat of arms have been retained but redrawn: the ship and castle representing Bristol; the sun, the horse and the dolphin representing the University’s founders and benefactors; and the open book representing learning. Details of how to use the new brand identity are available online at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/cms/pro/visualid.html