For the first time since 2011, LSU has updated its website, with the launch of the redesigned LSU.edu site taking place this morning.
The updated site features responsive design technology, which “offers a custom experience for users whether they are on desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile devices,” according to an LSU news release issued today. The changes come in response to a rising number of people accessing the site on mobile devices. Linda Bonnin, LSU vice president for strategic communications, says more than 50% of people are now going to the site on handheld devices.
“The real beauty of responsive design is that it responds to the user’s preferences,” says Bonnin in a prepared statement. “It automatically adjusts to fit the device that is being used to provide an optimal user experience.”
The new website was developed by LSU’s Office of Communications and University Relations in collaboration with Information Technology Services. The site includes 425 sub-sites and more than 109,000 web pages in its domain. Bonnin says moving all pages into the new system will take at least a year.
“Based on analytics and focus groups, we knew we needed a website that was more dynamic and one that delivered key information for prospective students, who are the primary users of our website,” Bonnin says. “The redesign is about enhancing the user experience and providing information students told us is important in their college decision process.”
Other key features of the redesigned site include the integration of social media platforms, more video content, improved navigation for quick access to key webpages, streamlined content that matches user expectations and better search engine optimization, LSU says.
