Breakdown: UTDallas EMAC
The UTDallas EMAC site provides a really interesting setup, as it seems that they are trying to target multiple audiences as their primary audiences. The entry page for the site is devoted to a description of the program and other information relevant to someone wanting more information. However, the blog and course sections of the site are distinctly targeting students of the EMAC program! The course segment contain limited information regarding class content, but provides a list of potential class options in a given semester. Also, while the blog section does provide more detailed information on unique classes, it’s targeting students to take that particular class.
This contrast in audience provides a really interesting experience when visiting the site. Since the audience is split, site navigation becomes more complicated. For example, job postings are listed under faculty openings. If I were looking to better understand a program to be in, there would be 3 potential focuses: research, faculty and courses. However, following the current setup, it would be difficult to get useful course information, since the details are under the ‘blog’ segment, not ‘course’. The same is true for a prospective student, another core audience based upon the contact page. However, on the current student side, unnecessary navigation through other site material is required to get to the core information, the running course blogs. While seeking to keep its singular focus and consistent message, it slows the ability to access other information.
The visual appeal to the site is clean and focused. Unlike other sites that aim to provide access to many segments of the site simultaneously, only the top navigation bar is key to navigating the whole site. Links within text provide access to external sites, and the use of social media on the contact page provides different means of access for individuals. The site is built around only needing specific segments of information. While this seems to functionally work for meeting all audiences, the entry segment is distinctly targeted to a prospective student/faculty audience. This makes sense from the content, since current students looking into course information will only access it at specific times of the year.
jp214
on February 16th, 2010
Hey Daryl,
Great break down of the Emac website. I was introduced to it last year while taking an Emac course. i really enjoyed and it’s user friendly (in my opinion). Like you mention, it helps the faculty and the students and prosper students to get familiar with the program. The web page is “clean and focused” and that’s why it’s a successful.
abfsra
on February 17th, 2010
Hey Daryl, I think it’s funny that the EMAC page has any real prominent problems at all. I mean if any web page should have their stuff figured out it would be EMAC and ATEC right? But that’s just the way it is. I had visited the site before but never messed around until today. I hadn’t caught that blog tab because I was so focused on the courses one and didn’t realize what information it could hold, that’s a good catch. And one thing I really do like about this web page is the contacts. Just the fact that Dave and Dean can be reached via so many mediums makes me feel that I can easily get in contact with them which is very different than trying to contact most faculty or staff. Good review – Angelo