Two years ago today, Strategic Marketing and Communications SMC launched a new homepage for Chapman University. Here’s a quick stroll down memory lane.

Chapman University Homepage – 1996:

Screen shot of the Chapman website from 1996


Chapman University Homepage - 2000:

Screen shot of the Chapman website from 2000


Chapman University Homepage - 2005:

Screen shot of the Chapman website from 2005


Chapman University Homepage 2010:

Screen shot of the Chapman website from 2010


 Chapman University Homepage 2012:

Screen shot of the Chapman website


 Chapman University Homepage 2014 (upcoming):

Screen shot of the Chapman website


 

In the Spring of 2012, Strategic Marketing and Communications and Chapman’s Webmaster in IS&T worked with 140 stakeholders across campus to completely re-do Chapman’s website. That means:

  • Brand new content management system (CMS)

  • Brand new design

  • Brand new content (mostly)


So here we are, 2 years after the launch of the new homepage and 1.5 years with a brand new website. Where do we go next? How can we iterate? How can we improve?

I have often said “
a website is like a shark: if it stops moving, it dies
.” Similarly, our Senior Web Designer, Meghan Farrington recently sent me a Fast Company article called “
How Flipboard’s Head Designer Grapples With the Web’s Manic Pace of Change.
” The truth is, we need to always be improving.

So far, the response to the site has been overwhelmingly good. We have conducted many surveys, usability tests, focus groups, and more.  
If you would like to sign up for focus groups, usability tests, etc., please feel free to fill out our form
.

*related post – SMC edits site to reflect feedback*


While we love
affirmation and awards
, we are MOST interested in feedback and constructive criticism. We’ve also discovered some shortcomings of the current homepage and website. Based on what we have learned, you’ll soon see some improvements to the website in general that includes an easier to use navigation, updated fonts and colors, and an overall cleaner look… but that is just the beginning.

Just like we did when we launched the new homepage, we want your feedback as we continue to think of improvements.

  • What do you like and dislike about the current homepage?

  • What would you change?

  • Would you like to have a way for your content to ‘earn’ a place on Chapman’s homepage?

  • Would you like to see content change more frequently?

  • What other ideas do you have?


Please feel free to comment below with your thoughts, ideas, questions, and concerns, and thanks for taking the time to make Chapman’s website better than ever!

Best,


*read more about Chapman’s website overhaul*