Another thing I will cover in this blog from time to time are any new websites or major redesigns that I have been involved with recently, and explain the process and some of the techniques that were used.
Engaging with small and medium size enterprises (SMEs)
One important activity of the College is to work with small and medium size enterprises or SMEs. This helps them benefit from the talent, ideas and facilities we have here at Imperial.
Assessing the existing web presence
As you can see from the image below, the previous landing page was not very exciting. This activity is all about outreach and engagement, so this was something that website was not addressing well.
The site only had 4 pages, so I carried out a very short audit. It was decided that most of the content was no longer relevant and would not be retained.
The current site also had relatively low traffic – around 400 unique page views in the previous 6 months.
Introducing GENERATE
GENERATE is a new initiative which has been designed to:
“help embed academic rigour into SMEs. It will help ambitious, high-growth companies create and enhance services and products, solve challenges and collaborate with peers.”
As well as developing a new web presence, GENERATE has commissioned design work to give it a visual identity. GENERATE will be using social media, along with the website, to promote a series workshops for different sectors: Clean technology (Cleantech), Bio technology (Biotech), plastics and packaging and Digital Security (DigiSec).
Designing and building the new website
I worked with Olivia Brown (SME Engagement Consultant in Enterprise) to think about the aims of this site, the audience needs and the hierarchy of content. We then defined a structure and layout for the content. I also developed a few wireframes mockups of ideas for a new landing page using the design work.
The initial focus of the new website was to have a more prominent home for Imperial’s SME engagement through a new landing page. The initial content would introduce GENERATE and promote the workshops. The language and presentation of the website needed to reflect GENERATE, with the use of vibrant imagery and an engaging tone of voice.
The grand unveiling!
After some revisions to the site design, layout and copy, the new website went live on 17 April 2018.
Need help and support with a new College website or redesign?
Are you planning a new website or want to audit and redesign an existing one? You can contact your Faculty Web Officer (FWO) in the first instance or contact me for any advice.