WWW Style Guide
University template
Persons developing a Miami website that is to be linked from a top-level university page must use one of the official template options below.
Why?
One of the most stated complaints from web users, particularly on university sites, is inconsistency in design and navigation. When design changes dramatically from one page to another, the user has no idea if they’re still within the university site, if the information can be trusted, or how to get back to the primary navigation. Confusion results in frustration, and we’ve lost the visitor and an opportunity to relay our message.
Why the template works
The template offers consistency for the site visitor yet plenty of flexibility to present the unique features of a program, office, or department. The following examples of the template in use show how it can be adapted for different audiences and goals.
One of the best statements summarizing consistency.
ONE UNIVERSITY, ONE LOOK — Robert Sevier, Stamats Marketing Communications
When I watch the Chicago Cubs play baseball, I am aware that every player (even the coaches) are wearing the same uniform. Same colors. Same caps. Same team name on the front of their shirts. Everyone is easily recognizable as part of the Chicago Cubs baseball team. I am also aware that each player has his own name on the back of his jersey. This bit of individuality is important, but it is carefully managed within the larger identity established by the Cubs. And, while each player may have his name on the back of the jersey, every player uses the same font and the same colors. Individuals working together, but one team.
Recommended reading before beginning a web project:
Designing Web Usability: Jackob Nielsen
Don't Make Me Think By: Steve Krug
Web developer’s listserv
To keep informed of design/development issues and trends, changes in Miami’s website, linkage updates, or ask questions about coding issues simply join the web developers listserv.
If you would like assistance in developing a Miami website, you may contract with IT Services Media Services, which has a number of student teams trained in the implementation of the university template.
WWW templates
NOTE: Click on the images below to see the template layout in your browser. After deciding on a template, you can simply go to the "VIEW" menu from your browser and choose, "SOURCE" or "PAGE SOURCE" select all and copy, you can now paste this into a new HTML document. Please keep in mind that the images are located on the server and you will not "see" them if you are working in a program such as Dreamweaver or GoLive.
