UIC Library Website Redesign - Redesign Strategy - Appendix B

Sep 12, 2026

Upload by Levi

A comprehensive redesign strategy for the UIC Library website guides goals, priorities, and guiding principles for rebuilding the site. It addresses legacy platform maintenance issues and defines success outcomes across navigation, search, service/account integration, user-centered content, iterative updates, and clearer communication and policies. The document establishes content design principles covering useful, usable, accessible, standards-compliant web writing, personas and user needs, call-to-actions, findability, formatting, and portability, supporting a successful launch schedule.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Goals

Priorities

Content Design Principles

Useful

Usable

Accessible

Standards

Form

Content

Findable

Labels

Formatting

Portability

Redesign Strategy: UIC Library Website Redesign Introduction The main website of the University Library is six years old. It was originally built on the WebGUI content management system, which is no longer maintained or capable of meeting the needs of Library staff and end-users. In addition, the site has been difficult to maintain due to the lack of personnel, governance structures, or content strategy. As we move forward with the redesign of [library.uic.edu](library.uic.edu), we need to identify our overarching goals, priorities, and principles, as well as who is responsible for doing work and approving milestones. This document will guide the remainder of this project – including requirements definition, content creation, visual design, and site development – up to the launch of the site in Fall 2016. Goals The following goals were identified in the Web Presence Survey: 1. Simple navigation and search systems that seamlessly connect users to appropriate information and resources 2. Less segregation between our many library services and accounts 3. Content that is for our users, not just for librarians – less jargon 4. Frequent, iterative updates to ensure users are getting current, accurate information 5. Improved connections between our users and staff, spaces, and services, both online and physical 6. Clear communication and policies that allow for more efficiency in implementing updates and new projects 7. Easier, more efficient tools and workflows for content creation, editing, and publishing Priorities Based on our goals for the Web Presence, 1. Migrate to a modern, more flexible content management system (CMS) and infrastructure (Goal 4, Goal 7) 2. Implement a streamlined information architecture, navigation system, and homepage that prioritize student success (Goal 1, Goal 3) 3. Redesign site content to be more useful, usable, and accessible to end users (Goal 3, Goal 5) 4. Establish an accessible, user-friendly visual design that meets the new University branding guidelines; clearly conveys the Library’s brand and key message as defined by the Communications Plan; and provides a framework for the visual design of other web properties (Goal 2, Goal 6) Content Design Principles Web content is not the same as print content. Web content is much more than copy – it also includes images, media, interactive elements, structural and navigational elements, and metadata. Web content should be designed based on best practices and web standards, and iteratively tested and improved. Useful Content design should always start with user needs. Every piece of content (and every system and service) should exist based on an end-user persona and a valid, actionable user need. Personas Personas are an archetype for a broad user group. Every piece on content should identify one user persona who represents their primary audience. User Needs A valid user need does not assume a solution or a tool – first the need should be identified, then the solution is designed based on the need. User needs are identified based on evidence from analytics or user research. User needs also must be based on actions or tasks, following this template: As a [persona], I need to [actionable task], so I can [desired outcome] . Good example: As a commuter student (persona), I need to find resources for my assignment online (task), so I can complete my assignment without driving to the library (desired outcome) . Bad example: As a commuter student, I need to use the databases A-Z list (tool assumed), so I know what databases you have (not actionable) . Usable Content should be easy to read and easy to use, following best practices for web writing and formatting. Usable interfaces only work if they contain usable content. Plain Language Language should not exceed an 8th-grade reading level and should be free of jargon and unclear acronyms. In our diverse campuses, it is especially important to use p

FAQs

Why is the UIC Library website being redesigned?

The current site is about six years old, built on an older WebGUI CMS that is no longer maintained. It is also difficult to maintain due to staffing, governance, and a lack of content strategy.

What are the key goals guiding the redesign?

The strategy emphasizes simple navigation and search, less separation between library services and accounts, user-focused content without jargon, frequent iterative updates, and improved online-to-physical connections. It also calls for clearer communication and more efficient content creation workflows.

What content principles ensure the redesigned site meets accessibility and usability requirements?

Content must be designed for user needs using personas and actionable tasks, written in plain language, include clear calls to action, and follow accessibility standards such as WCAG Level AA. It also requires accessible document practices (e.g., accessible PDFs when needed) and content structure that supports scanning and discoverability.

Sep 12, 2026

Upload by Levi