More than a Doodle: A Look at the UAlberta.ca Pilot Project

Did you see the latest Google doodle?

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Did you see the latest Google doodle?

Chances are pretty good that you just opened a new window or tab to see what Google has done to their search page. Why? Because we know the doodles will be clever, always temporary, and they'll offer up an opportunity to learn a new fact or to try a new game.

The University Relations digital team hopes to replicate this experience for you when you land on UAlberta.ca. Over the past number of months, the digital team in University Relations has been looking closely at the current design of the UAlberta.ca home page - how users view it, where they click, what sort of content they search for, and what content they are drawn to. As a result of that work, and with a view to better reflect the vibrancy of the University of Alberta community, UAlberta.ca is getting a makeover - and yes, some of those changes will be inspired by Google Doodles.

For the next month, the digital team will be piloting the new look, which will include daily updates to the top of the webpage. Some days might see an animated feature, like the one that will run for Halloween.

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Other days might help provide helpful reminders about things like daylight savings changes, or they might shine an interactive spotlight on an upcoming campus event. Whatever they depict, like a Google Doodle, they'll be something to see and experience. And it's hoped that this will translate into more interest, engagement, and clicks to learn about what's happening at the university from both our internal and external audiences.

Other changes on the page will include the spotlighting of student recruitment efforts, the incorporation of The Quad, the inclusion of highlights from Folio.ca, and more. In particular, the changes to the student recruitment information will see our three main program streams individually highlighted.

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Separating program information and application processes for undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education studies will be in keeping with changes that were made to the "Admissions & Programs" page earlier this year.

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The new layout will also allow for greater flexibility, making it easier to adapt the page for special occasions, like convocation, when special audience segments will be looking for very timely information on the site. The new layout will also improve the look and feel of the homepage when viewed on a mobile device, since the new design has been developed to reflect the way that most people prefer to view mobile content - by scrolling.

Feedback on the site will be sought in the coming weeks, so faculty, staff, students, and visitors alike will be able to share their input on the new layout and functionality of the page.

If you have suggestions for events, occasions, or stories to feature at the top of the UAlberta.ca, be sure to submit them using the digital team's online Promotions Request Form. Who knows, your suggestion might inspire someone to say "hey, did you see UAlberta.ca today?"

Note:Note: If you can't see the updated site on your device, try pressing the "shift" key while clicking on the refresh button in your browser.