My team has been discussing recently redesigning our website. We have been evaluating many websites out there to get an idea of what we want to do. It has been quite a process. Here are some observations from our research in redesigning a website targeted to the emerging generation.
- Keep the design of the website simple but attractive.
- Use Photos- they convey a message and draw interest.
- Incorporate a Blog.
- Build community by connecting to local communities. (i.e. Story Spot)
- Give them ways to make a difference around them. (i.e. Student2Student)
What are some other ideas you have?
A great checklist to start with (include in planning) is from Ralph Wilson called 12 Website Design Decesions. We have it currently syndicated here.
Doug:
How does StorySpot “build community by connecting to local communities”? Not saying it doesn’t – I’ve just never seen the local aspect of that site.
Frank good question. StorySpot is building local communities by grouping students from the same campus or city together. They are able to then share their pages with their friends on campus, like Virginia Tech has done. See the bottom left column on http://www.storyspot.com for the V.T. link.
I have been told that a new version of the website will be released this year that will expand and allow for more interaction on the website within “a community”.