K-State's new website features more dynamic information, reorganized topics, and an updated look. Until you get acquainted with the new features and organization, you can use this quick guide to help you find the information you need.
The changes made for the new website were based on user feedback from the old site and web traffic statistics that showed which topics users clicked on most. Special attention was paid to external audiences that are unfamiliar with K-State's organizational chart and office names. Usability testing was performed on the new site in January to verify architecture decisions as well as uncover and fix any problem areas. The usability testing report will be available online soon.
K-State's search feature—which now appears in the upper right corner on a tan bar—can help you find most topics.
People and office directories are located just to the left of the search box. Hint: You can also type people names or office names directly into the search box; you'll get the same result as if you clicked on the search.
For details of where to find topics on the previous website, see the Where is it chart.
A standardized search bar. The search box, people and office directories, and an area to show you are signed in appears in this bar, along with the university name and a stylized PowerCat. This search bar can be easily added to your department or office pages to make the search feature easier for your users.
News and events are featured in a prominent central area. This area includes official university news from Media Relations and Marketing; links to today's Collegian and events; and links to university calendar. If you want more information about these and other events, you can click on "more" in the upper right corner of each news area.
Two new audiences were added (you will see these in the far right column of the homepage):
The old site's pop-up windows were eliminated. The choices now appear on the homepage screen all the time. The new homepage has more choices; this creates a website with fewer levels that users have to dig through.
A new and improved look in a vertical format. New photos have been added, and the design has been modernized.
This page was reorganized to help students accomplish their tasks without having to know which office can help. The new A-Z services function is an index of campus services that will help you find info fast. Student feedback helped define and refine the topics on this page, which incorporates both the Students and Student Life pages of the old website.
Additional content was added: a list of K-State achievements, quick facts, details about the university's organization, Manhattan and Salina links, and other topics.
This page was bumped up in prominance and centralizes information about entertainment options across campus.
This page now includes information about campus attractions and major campus events.
This is a one-stop shopping place for tickets, K-State clothes and collectibles, food products, and space rentals.
This section was streamlined based on web traffic reports. The new site makes it easier to find contact information for emergency services.
Future features will include new webpage templates and single sign-on—a one-time sign-in for seamless access to KATS, K-State Online, e-mail, eProfile, and more—through the homepage's Sign in to K-State.
The redesign project has been a cooperative effort between Computing and Network Services, University Publications, and Media Relations and Marketing.