Does this web site work? Utah State University

University Business, April, 2004 by Alana Klein

Utah State University challenges multicolored college Web sites with its new Web site redesign, sleek and understated. Ironically, it's the site's new color scheme--constructed around an indistinct gray--which makes it so distinctive. And though gray is admittedly an unusual color for a college Web site (especially considering that USU's colors are blue and white), the new cosmetic work-up has a purposeful aim, says university Webmaster Charles Thomson: The Web site was designed to appeal to 18-year-olds by offering an air of youthfulness and freshness.

The redesign is an extension of the university's THINK campaign, which is focused on getting people to "think" about USU. This, in response to a survey conducted two years ago, which revealed that the general public didn't know very much about USU. Now, prominently displayed on the Web site's home page is the message, "Think Utah State." A virtual tour will be added in June, and unlike more conventional Web site tours that feature an array of online snapshots, this tour will offer segments of a campus "reality TV" series focusing on different campus activities such as a football game and tailgate party, and interviews with students who cloned a mule. USU's site is certainty original.

Best Features

* Gray color scheme is distinctive. As a Web designer, I think the use of the gray color scheme is very effective here, and really sets this site apart from others. The gray may not appeal to everyone, but for today's students who are into clean, modern design, it should be right on target.

* Good balance of visuals and text. The site offers a solid balance of vibrant, unposed images paired with easy-to-read text on main pages.

* Easy navigation. Visitors will find it easy to see where they are and how they got there. Importantly, there are no overwhelming graphics to inhibit quick navigation and usability.

* Ample action photos. Shots of students interacting with the campus and surrounding community demonstrate an active student life.

* Flash options. Visitors have the option to turn off the Flash button, which is helpful for those visitors who have slow or dial-up connections.

* Solid sell of academics. USU shows its commitment to academics through its well-presented Academic Programs page. By featuring photos of engaged students in three different learning environments, and an intriguing slogan ("Seven colleges. More than 200 majors. One university."), visitors get a sense of the importance USU places on academics.

* Student centered. The A-Station section--a student site--is given a slot on the home page. Students are bound to appreciate easy access to this site.

* Parent friendly. The parents' section is full of valuable information such as a calendar of important dates, a parents' help line, and a campus weather update. Essential, because parents like to feet that they are being informed and valued.

* Inviting community section. The site paints a nice portrait of the campus's surrounding community of Logan Valley, Utah. It's vital to accurately portray a school's off-campus environment since this is a major consideration of students and parents, when choosing a college.

* Visitor convenience. Offering an online form to schedule a campus tour is a great way to save paper as welt as prospective students' time.

Needs Work

* Gray is not for everyone. Gray seems an unlikely color for a college site. It's not particularly exciting or attractive, and as a student, I can't imagine it would grab the attention of other young people. What's more, the text and graphics do little to liven up the drab coloring.

* Inconsistent design. White the home page is updated, streamlined, and attractive, other pages are not, giving the appearance of a university with several personalities.

* Too text-heavy. Some of the departmental pages (ones that are several clicks away from the home page) are very text-heavy and difficult to read. They offer no graphics or color--a disincentive to read.

* Nondescript photos. What does the photo in the top left-hand corner of the home page represent? It looks like a photo of stained glass. The home page should feature only purposeful, easily interpretable photos.

* Small, inconsistent logo. The size and style of the school's logo varies throughout the site, and sometimes it's much, much too small.

* Needs more diversity. While the university is probably not very diverse, shouldn't it offer photos that represent a more diverse student body? USU might entice a more diverse student population this way.

* Missing information. Whoops! The site fails to give current or future application deadlines on the Dates & Deadlines page under the Admissions section. Evidently, it hasn't been updated since 2003!

* Hard to get in touch with Technical. There's no information about how to contact the Webmaster, should a visitor want to report broken [inks or other problems on the site.

* Time-consuming downloads. The MP3s of school songs take too tong to download. Someone without a direct connection to the school might lose interest white waiting for the download to happen.