Web Site Layout Guide

Overview

Designing an Intranet website involves several key steps to ensure it is visually appealing, user-friendly, and effective in achieving your communication goals. Here's a brief introduction to guide you through the process.

• What is the Purpose of My Site?
• Who is My Audience?
• How do I Organize My Information?
• Things to Keep in Mind

What is the Purpose of My Site?

Like all websites, Inside U of I connects users with information. It is important to note web content is not for the hosting unit, but for those external to the unit. Thus, the Inside U of I website serves the needs of the user, not the unit.  

Who is My Audience?

The website exists to serve the visitor. Thus, it helps to identify those who will visit the website. Categorize the visitors into audience groups, such as “undergraduate students”, or "employees".  Identify why each audience group would visit the website. There is a need the visitor is trying to satisfy. List those needs per audience. Examples include:

• Visitors to the parking intranet are likely to look for permits costs, instructions on how to pay for a ticket or hours of operation.  

• Visitors trying to get help with a computer problem.

• Visitors needing to download a form.

How do I Organize My Information?

Once the audience and needs are identified, you can help the unit visualize the site architecture and page layout by grouping information. A quick outline using Word or wireframe usually helps.  

1. Start large – site layout first 

2. Then discuss layout per page 

3. A review of other Inside U of I sites may help the unit visualize architecture and layout for their site.  

4. Also, a review of the various web parts available through SharePoint may help.  

4. Once the site is laid out, the unit will define content needed for each page. It may be easier for the user to repurpose content existing on another site, such as uidaho.edu, vs. drafting new content.  

   • Again, the content is for the visitor.  

   • The most important content should be at the top of the page/site.  

   • Most users skim websites, so creating sections with headers will help visitors find information they need.  

5. Once audiences and their needs have been identified, desired information is grouped, a wireframe has been approved and content drafted, building can begin.

6. When the site is complete, ask them to let UCM know so we can add a link to the site in the global header. 

Formatting Tips

University Communications and Marketing (UCM) has developed the Digital Style Guide with helpful information for writing for the web.  It is full of helpful content to make sure your content is easily usable by those who visit.  There is also guidance for making sure your site meets accessibility standards which is required for Title II compliance.

Collaborative Site Development Tips

1. If you are working with a group, kickoff meetings are helpful.  You can use the time to set vision, define roles, discuss process and answer questions. This meeting should not be over 30 minutes.  
2. It's ok to struggle with design.  It's a new experience.
3. Use resources readily available to you.  OIT has built additional Intranet build instructions to help you.

4. Check-in meetings of about 15 minutes throughout the design and development process are useful too. Use these meetings to confirm milestones with the unit.  Those might include

   • Site structure/wireframe design.  

   • Homepage content has been developed and placed.

   • Child page content has been developed and is placed.

5. Seek final approval before publishing the site. This will allow the unit to perform a final review.  

6. When the site is complete, let UCM know so we can add a link to the site in the global header.