Frequently Asked Questions about the redesign of www.utoronto.ca
Below are some of the questions we have received about the www.utoronto.ca redesign. If you don't find the answer to your question, please send it to the redesign team: homepage@utoronto.ca.
How long did the redesign take?
From early strategy and planning to launch, the project took about six months.
How did you decide which links to put on the homepage? Who chooses the links?
The objectives for the new homepage were twofold: to provide a warm welcome to the University, and to help site visitors more easily navigate the University's vast webspace. Based on these objectives and on analysis of usage statistics, the project team developed two potential models for the homepage. These options were tested in usability testing sessions, where representative users (current undergraduate and graduate students, prospective undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff) were observed using a working prototype of each model. The test results determined which links would be most useful on the homepage and helped determine their layout on the page.
Why can't I find the things that used to be on the homepage?
Almost every link on the old page is on the new homepage. The new homepage devotes much more space to navigation, which means links that were a layer or more below the homepage are now right on the "front door." These links have been prioritized and grouped based on feedback from usability test participants and from constituencies across the University.
Where is the link to my.utoronto.ca? How do I access my e-mail on the web?
In light of the adoption of a new Microsoft Exchange environment for e-mail and calendaring, the link to web e-mail needed to be updated. Instead of going through my.utoronto.ca, there is now a direct Webmail link on the homepage under Resources. From there, users can login to UTORmail or UTORexchange, depending on which service they use.
Is the design going to keep changing? Is this design permanent?
The project team has worked to create a design that meets the current needs of site visitors and that is flexible enough to accommodate future needs. We will continue to scrutinize the page, keep its content up to date, and conduct regular usability testing with the page's various audiences.
Who gave input on this design?
The project team consulted with a wide array of stakeholders and experts. The Webspace Working Group (which includes representatives from many areas of the University) and usability test participants (current undergraduate and graduate students, prospective undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff) provided the bulk of the feedback. Academic administrators also provided valuable input at several stages of the project. The resulting design reflects a combination of the functional elements that our users requested (e.g., better navigation and clearer language) and a visual approach that coheres with the University’s visual identity.
I have some feedback on the homepage. Where should I send it?
We welcome your comments, questions and ideas: email homepage@utoronto.ca.
Where’s the audience-focused navigation?
Analysis of usage statistics regarding and usability testing results showed that most people look for direct links to the information they want. This guided the decision to group navigational links by categories of information rather than by audience.
Why did you decide to change the navigation/menu structure?
The issues with the previous homepage navigation were threefold:
- A relatively small area of screen real estate was devoted to navigation, and usage statistics showed that most users weren’t using the few links available. We needed to determine the most important links for the greatest number of users, and then use clear language to label these links.
- Due to the decentralized nature of U of T’s webspace, managing the homepage became an exercise in managing hundreds of requests for visibility on www.utoronto.ca. With the redesign, we wanted to ensure that this important page helped accomplish two priorities: conveying the University’s purpose and character and providing signposts to the information most important to users.
- The old page had become internally focused. The homepage is an important tool for members of the University of Toronto community, but it must also serve the needs of a range of other groups -- prospective students, faculty and staff; research partners; government; international audiences; friends. We needed to find a balance that helps all these audiences find the information they need.
Can I participate in the next stages of this process?
The homepage will continue to evolve and develop alongside the University. We invite all community members to give their feedback at homepage@utoronto.ca. Additionally, there may be future opportunities to participate in user interviews, focus groups, usability tests or design surveys. If you'd be interested in participating, send an email to homepage@utoronto.ca.
