CVMBS Webpage Redesign Subcommittee Meeting Minutes

January 27, 2003

Members Present: Tom Harmon, Jill Lenz, Mary Pridgen, Sallie Varner

The committee held a brainstorming session on the topic of the CVMBS Webpage Redesign plan. The following items were noted:

This redesign is intended for the main page, and will not affect secondary (Departmental) or lower pages substantially. We recognize that most department staff are currently overburdened time wise, and that global changes to the web pages cannot be reasonably expected with the current assignment load. Also, we would like to establish a timeline of goals with deadlines included to keep this process from dragging on or being changed too many times. Dr. Fettman should be kept advised of our proposed changes by email to ensure that he can provide input in a timely manner.

Improvements we'd like to see to the current page:

White space in the middle of the page which is filled when the flyout menus are activated-unattractive and inefficient use of space. Put in a "ghosted" background of the CVMBS caduceus logo or a photo collage?

"Development" as a menu item-difficult to translate for the general public. Possibly change to "Gift Giving"?

"Online Giving" button at bottom of right column is not always immediately visible. Move up higher on page; possibly create a second bar below the main banner to keep it visible?

Too much Javascript used in flyout menu-can this be reduced or eliminated by the use of alternative coding or cascading style sheets while still retaining the flyout menus? Use text instead of images for the main menu links? We would like to see the flyout menus light up on mouseover as well.

News articles are not changed on a regular or frequent basis-can we establish a source list of people to ask for timely notices on a weekly basis, similar to the Harvard Medical School's "Web Weekly" article? We would want this to ALWAYS have an accompanying photo to create visual interest.

A Search engine included on the main page would be a very helpful item to include. We want to have a text box that is easily accessed and evident to aid visitors in finding topics within the College pages.

Other minor ideas on arrangement of current items were suggested to make the page more space efficient and visible with less scrolling.

Submitted by Mary Pridgen 1/28/03

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