Web Site Principles

Vision Statement

 The DPU Libraries envision a simplified, extensible web portal that surfaces our unique collections, enhances findability and is focused on user tasks. Based on industry standards for excellence in design, functionality and the use of current technologies, the new portal will streamline existing workflows for both staff and users through consolidation of content while building on previous features and platforms. Governance of the portal will be administered centrally by Library Web Services, but will incorporate distributed input from the Web Services Advisory Committee and from a system of assigned content curators. Development will be iterative, based on internal data and user research and adhere to web conventions and established usability standards. Finally, the portal will emphasize a uniform brand and serve as a symbol of innovation and professionalism for the DPU librarians and all of DePaul University.

Principles

Web Services is planning to implement 5 principles of information architecture into our SharePoint site.

1. Principle of Choices: Fewer choices are less stressful. Too few is boring.

2. Principle of Front Doors: Each sub-page must serve as an alternative home page.

3. Principle of Exemplars: An example goes a long way in creating user understanding

4. Principle of Growth: Growth happens, plan for it5. Principle of Functional Navigation: Site organization around

distinct sections/tasks/audiences

Principle of Choices

• We aim for no more than 4 options in our global navigation system

• We limit sub-menu options to five (including a “more…” link)

• We aim to limit choices on every page• A single search box (WCL)

Principle of Front Doors

• A unified global navigation system• Fat footer serving as mini-site map• Access to buried content (Via, CDM,

LibGuides) from top-levels of site

Principles of Exemplars

• Icons• Examples of content (new books in Special

Collections)• Contextual images

Principle of Growth

• Provide space for dynamic/serendipitous content (announcements, ads, new tools)

• Embed flexibility into global nav system (“more…” links)

Principle of Functional Navigation

• Menus that serve distinct audiences• Menu items that are task-oriented• Dynamic menus

Content Must Haves on Every Page

• Single Search Box (WCL)• Research Help Tools• Directional Info• About Us Info• Access to Unique Collections

Library on a Napkin

Global Navigation with limited choices and distinct audiences in mind

Dynamic, growth-oriented navigation to buried content, with exemplars

Dynamic, growth-oriented, task-driven navigation

One search to everything

Front Door on every page