- cindifar
We have just begun the process of redesigning the front page of asu.edu, and we'd love to know what you think. There is a wide variety of options in this beginning phase, so below is a small thumbnail of each version. Click on the image to view a larger version and comment on which one you like best. It will also help if you let us know what exactly you like about the comp and your affilliation with ASU (student, alumni, etc.)
There are several ways you can send us feedback. If you do not have an asurite account register for one here so you can comment right on the comp page, comment on Flickr, or send an email to Gary Campbell.
Thanks for your time.
Round 1: version A + alternate
Round 1: version B
Round 1: version C and (C version2)
Round 1: version D (D with header)
Round 1: version E
Round 1: version F
Round 1: version G
Is there a way to make this thread sticky so it remains at the top?
Also, I think it might be a good idea if we shared the guidelines/decisions that were made before we even began the designs -- like how the designs must have the sunburst header and the black footer or the need for a large image on the page, etc. It might help with the feedback so that people know why the designs look the way they do as well as understand the philosophy and rationale behind it. Some of this is mentioned in the philosophy of the process thread though.
The first thing I want to know about any web page is this: have the designers used valid HTML that will work on all standards-compliant browsers? I want to submit the page to http://validator.w3.org/ and see that it passes. Obviously that can't be done from only a picture of what the proposed page might look like on one person's computer. Try to remember that the web connects everything to everything and plan accordingly.
I don't see anything on any of the screen shots that look like links, with the possible exception of version F. It has some things underlined and some things that might be links not underlined. But you shouldn't worry about underlining it or not. That is up to me and my browser to decide. Just mark it with an A HREF tag and let my browser render it according to my preferences.
Marvin Simkin
Manager of Information Technology
School of Earth and Space Exploration
Web programmer since 1995
http://simkin.asu.edu/
Thank you for bringing up such an important subject. I'm one of the designers who will be coding the front page, and I appreciate any opportunity to talk about accessibility. The mockups you see on this page are merely that--mockups. They're graphic images of what the home page could look like. But that's only the first step. After a mockup is chosen, we coders step in. (Drum roll, please.)
Accessibility is a top priority for us. Yes, we try to make the final page look as close to the mockup as possible, but not at the expense of accessibility. My belief (and one that is gaining ground daily at ASU) is that designers should do everything possible to make web pages accessible to all people and all devices capable of accessing the web.
As we code the ASU home page, we'll be following the guidelines set out in W3C-WAI's WCAG 2.0. That document is still a working draft but will become the published recommendation before too long, and it addresses accessibility issues not covered in WCAG 1.0. We'll also test rigorously in a wide variety of devices and software.
Thanks again for bringing up such an important topic. I hope we see more and more discussion about accessibility in these forums. If you have any questions or concerns, please write to me.
Kathy Marks
ASU - UTO
As far the new page design is concerned. When it comes to being a student, I want a web page that is easily accessible, and easy to navigate. It would also be beneficial to have one that is compatable for all types of computers and software. The two web designs that seem to fit what I am looking for as a student are version A and D. i like these two because i dont want to be looking all over the place for the one thing i am looking for. i.e. when i am on the web, i want what i am looking for, right in front of me. these two seem to have what it is that i like.
I like the layout of this sample. Â It would be nice if there was an option
 in which you would be able to customize the features you would see on the
 opening page. ( In any of the layouts.) If that is possible? Users would
 be able to add links to the sites they vist the most, such as email.
Also, as far future content goes, this seems like it will be an inprovement. I would really love to see a website that 18 year-olds would be excited to register on. For example, more focus on students and less focus on researchers and professors and keeping photos a little edgy. The photo of the female on the laptop outside and the cropped photo of students sitting on a bench are great.
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Karin Lindstrom
student graphic designer