Western Carolina University is set to undertake a major Web site overhaul designed to increase the Western site's usability and improve its aesthetics. The process, which will rely heavily on interaction with the university community, will begin on Wednesday, Jan. 18, when representatives from the consulting firm mStoner visit campus as part of the discovery phase of the project. mStoner recently won the contract to redesign the site and implement a content management system.
“We want to hear from people what they want out of the Web, who they think is the primary audience, what works well now, and what difficulties they have with the current Web site,” said Voltaire Miran, project leader for mStoner.
During the two-day discovery visit, mStoner consultants will be talking with groups of people from across a broad spectrum of the campus. Groups will include the senior administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, members of the offices of admissions, advancement and financial aid, and others.
Following the two-day inquiry, the consultants will examine Western's Web content and structure, analyze print and marketing materials, research competitors' Web sites and look for the key content points that effectively present the university's messages. Over the next year, they will work on the more-technical details of Web architecture and content management, and on usability testing, training, policy development, staffing recommendations and the final implementation phase.
“It would be nice if overhauling Western's Web site could be done quickly, but to do it right will take many months,” said Newton Smith , professor of English and director of the project on campus. “And mStoner will be asking for input and ideas all along the way.”
Western's Web redesign project team selected mStoner due to the firm's presentation of a deliberate and comprehensive plan that involves university input at all levels. The consultants' experience with other universities and their approach to Western's redesign and content management needs also made them the first choice among competing firms, Smith said.
“They brought a fresh perspective to our university Web site, and they are familiar with the challenges and needs of higher education,” a previous client said. “They were very willing to listen. I enjoyed working with them from beginning to end,” said another.
To see samples of mStoner's work for previous clients, go to www.mstoner.com .
For further information on Western's Web redesign and content management system implementation project and how you can be involved, contact Newt Smith at 227-2411 or smithn@email.wcu.edu . |
