University Webmaster

Appendix VII.

Information Technology Guidelines for the Development or Redesign of Unit Homepages

One of the most important aspects of any website is consistency. When designing or redesigning a website, please take that into consideration. At Georgia Southern University, we try to maintain a common flow and feel between all major units and/or components of the site. If a unit would like to create a new website or redesign an existing one, please review and complete the following steps. These steps are to help increase compatibility and communication between those responsible for changes on the website.

1. Contact the University Webmaster when a development idea has been proposed and will be attempted.
This is to make sure that the development and implementation of the new site can be coordinated between the Department of Information Technology Services and the Unit. This will also help to create a less abrupt change in the structure of the web. The University Webmaster can assist in answering questions or concerns regarding development. The Webmaster can give you insight on current changes in policy or helpful tips and suggestions on the best way to proceed with your development and testing.

2. Develop Strict Specifications for what must be on the site.
Review your internal policies and information as well as questions you are constantly asked to see what information must be on the web. As a University we want as much information as possible to be available.

3. Develop a composite or drawing of what the new site will look like.
This will allow the Unit to review and make changes in the site before they begin to design. The Unit may want to show this composite to other individuals and related Units to get feedback and input.

4. Develop the new site off-line.
You never want to be developing a website that is currently live on the web. This is for several reasons.

a. You could change important information while someone is looking at it or accidentally deleted that information.
b. You could accidentally make information inaccessible to visitors.
c. You could inadvertently change the structure of the site so much that some pieces link to old information and other pieces link to new information.

5. Perform Tests on the website.
It is best to do this at several different points during the development of the site. There are several types of testing you can perform. Please consult the “Information Technology Recommended Testing Methodologies for Development of New Websites”(III) for more details.

6. Contact the University Webmaster before implementing the new site.
This is to assure a smooth transition. If links need to be updated on main pages to properly connect to the new site then that can be handled. This is also important because at certain times of the year our website can attract more attention than normal and we do not want to make large changes during those busy times. A date can be set for implementation.