Background
How to use this document: This document is derived from a recommendation developed by the Academic Affairs Web Architecture Committee, which convened to address the need for uniform content organization and navigational consistency across CSUN College web sites.
While most of the information in this document can be extrapolated to apply to non-College web sites, College-specific content is often mentioned, as it was integral to the committee’s analysis and report. Users should consider the Objectives, Assumptions, and Approach sections below in light of their own web sites, as well as their sites’ relationship to other web sites in the CSUN Web Presence.
The Web Architecture Committee’s Objectives
- To recommend a minimum standard set of College-level content elements and links to be adopted on College web pages;
- To develop a standardized terminology (content labels) for representing required and optional content across the web pages of CSUN Colleges;
- To provide a systematic approach for the application and use of recommended content labels to capture content across web pages;
- To define and recommend standard structural and navigation pathways for presenting and linking to required, optional, and new content on College web pages;
- To recommend best practices for the management of content (i.e. files, data) within folders/directories and consistent naming conventions for URLs;
- To provide a consistent navigation between College-level information and the CSUN Home page.
Assumptions
- Information that is structured and organized in a consistent manner provides easy findability and navigation across web pages.
- Adoption and use of consistent and meaningful terminology ensures predictability in information-seeking.
- Simplicity of presentation ensures resource discovery and enhances the user experience.
- The unique characteristics and needs of each College should be accommodated.
- The needs of multiple audiences will be met.