Overview
Since 2016, the Website Service Project has been dedicated to creating an intuitive platform where departments can easily showcase their work, research, and more. This platform allows them to manage content independently, without needing IT intervention. By offering top-tier user experience support, we ensure the website aligns perfectly with the University of Washington branding and meets the latest design standards. Our success is thanks to our amazing team: Nevine Isaak, who led design, development, prototyping, user experience consultation, and WordPress training; Janelle Azucena, who kept the site updated; and Brad Coston, our IT director, who provided crucial support and ensured smooth adoption across the school. We carefully planned and tested to mitigate risks like transitioning to new code, maintaining content style, and meeting strict timelines. Using technologies like WordPress, Pantheon, Adobe Suite, and PHP, we’ve reduced service requests by 75%, decreased plugins by 50%, and enhanced site security by 50%. Our ongoing efforts continue to advance digital accessibility and innovation, while improving security and reducing costs.
The Website Services project was initiated with the goals of:
- Develop an intuitive platform where departments can effortlessly showcase their work, research, and more, with the ability to manage content independently, eliminating the need for IT intervention.
- Provide top-tier user experience support to ensure the website aligns seamlessly with UW branding and adheres to the latest UX standards.
- Guarantee outstanding IT customer support by implementing solutions that are user-friendly, easy to maintain, and simple to train on.
We provide enhanced web services to help customers align their sites with current University of Washington branding and design standards. Our cost-effective site refreshes not only save money but also improve ease of use, enabling site owners to manage their sites effortlessly.
The success of our project is thanks to the collaborative efforts of our dedicated team members. Nevine Isaak, our Senior Interactive Web Designer, led the design, development, prototyping, UX/UI consultation, and WordPress training, ensuring high standards of creativity and functionality. Janelle Azucena, our Service Desk Subject Matter Expert, supported the site updating process. Brad Coston, the Director of IT, provided key support, ensuring seamless adoption across departments. Their combined expertise and dedication were instrumental in achieving our goals, streamlining processes, and ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for everyone involved.
Initiated in 2016, the Website Service Project is a continuous effort dedicated to advancing the field of digital innovation.
Microsite Migration
Transitioning to a new service, Pantheon, while maintaining the existing functionality risked losing essential features. The School of Nursing IT team preserved all previous functionalities through intensive testing ensuring continuity and improved usability.
Maintaining Content Style
Ensuring ongoing technical support for departments and making sure their content continued to work seamlessly was a significant responsibility. The School of Nursing IT team provided continuous support, ensuring all content functioned correctly. Their commitment to making it work was crucial to the project’s success.
Strict Timelines
The extensive scale of microsite support, with Nevine Isaak as the sole interactive web designer, made it challenging to meet deadlines, increasing the risk for the team. This risk was mitigated through meticulous prioritization and planning, ensuring tasks were effectively managed and deadlines were consistently met.
Impact
- Reduced service requests by 75%, showcasing a significantly streamlined, intuitive web editing experience
- Decreased the number of plugins by 50%, lowering financial costs, enhancing usability and maintenance.
- Enhanced site security by 50% through reduction of third party plug ins and the integration of UW branding.
- Created 47 and retired 17 microsites, currently maintaining 30 active microsites.
Technology
- WordPress
- Pantheon
- Adobe Suite
- PHP
Project Team
Nevine Isaak
Senior Interactive Web Designer and Project Manager
Brad Coston
School of Nursing IT Director