The New Layout and Design

This page details features of the new layout and visual design.

Feature: Layout File
Every page is constructed from one file called "layout.cfm"

• Benefit to User
  
  • Uniform look and feel to the site.
    
• Benefit to Content Provider
  
  • No need to worry about the layout of the document.
    
• Benefit to Site Developer
  
  • The layout information can be edited by modifying one file.
  
  Technical documentation

---

Feature: UMD Logo
The UMD logo is located in the top left corner of every page in the new layout. It is also a link to the home page of UMass Dartmouth.

• Benefit to User
  • Acts like an official letterhead, letting the user know this web page is owned and operated by the university.
  • Provides an easy link to the home page from any page on our site.
  • Helps create unity among the pages, from the first element users see on the page.
• Benefit to Content Provider & Site Developer
  • No need to identify the page as belonging to UMass Dartmouth.
  • No need to link to the home page - the layout takes care of that.

---

Feature: Page Header
Every new page adopting the new design utilizes the header. In the header are links to the UMD Homepage, the 6 major navigational links Admissions, Academics, Administration, Outreach, and Services) as well as links to the Style Off version of the page, links to Directory, Index, Ask, and COIN

• Benefit to User
  • Uniform navigation and design equals a uniform look and feel to the site.
  • Any user using a text reader or a text-only browser can skip the header content and go right to content by using the Skip To Content link, hidden just above the UMD Logo.
  • Users can access information faster and easier.
  • Users can select a Text Only version of every page if their browser does not support our normal layout (for example, text-only browsers)
  • Quick access to ask a question or contact someone (Ask Us).
  • Quick link to the Site Index.
• Benefit to Content Provider
  • Content can be accessed faster, more directly, and by a wider audience.
• Benefit to Site Developer
  • The Header information can be edited by modifying one file.
  
  Technical documentation

---

Feature: Quick Links to Help, Ask Us, and Index
In the top right corner of every page are links to Directory, Index, Ask and COIN

• Benefit to User
  • Prominent links to major web pages.
• Benefit to Content Provider
  • If a user needs assistance, it's at the top of every page.
• Benefit to Site Developer
  • User problems can be solved with online documentation.
  • No need to link to these areas, as they are automatically included in the layout.
  
  Technical documentation

---

Feature: Main Content Area
The Main Content Area is the large center area of the page.

• Benefit to User
  • Font size is standard HTML or browser default. The user can increase the font size of the Main Content Area.
  • Standard location and look to the area increases usability for user.
• Benefit to Content Provider & Site Developer
  • This is the only area content can be uploaded.
  • No need to know HTML or other Web programming languages when online tools are developed.
  • 10 pixel border can be turned off if special content (i.e. Flash or Java) is displayed in the content area.

---

Feature: Left Menu, Horizontal Menu
The left menu is the main navigational menu for every site. It contains links for the main content area of the site, and sometimes, every page in the site. The left menu can have also have a sub-menu.

• Benefit to User
  • Uniform look and feel to the site makes it easier to navigate and learn.
  • Every site has a similar navigational setup while still having individual links.
• Benefit to Content Provider
  • The navigational structure for a specific site is determined by the Content Provider. Only the look is standardized.
• Benefit to Site Developer
  • The site-specific content and left menu or horizontal menu are controlled by the Content Provider.
  • The list is generated dynamically, eliminating the need to code a menu for every page of the site.
  
  Technical documentation

---

Feature: Right Menu
The Right Menu includes graphical and text links to the major web sites on UMD Web. Right Menu links are to sites consistently accessed by students, or high traffic sites.

• Benefit to Content Provider
  • Right Menu module can be turned off and replaced with site specific content.
• Benefit to Site Developer
  • Right menu image and text links can be changed on every page by editing one file.
  
  Technical documentation

---

Feature: Top of page link
The Footer contains a link to the top of the page, located in the upper left corner.

• Benefit to User
  • Decreases the amount of scrolling the user has to do to reach main navigation elements
  • Users with screen readers and other assistive technologies are aided- easier navigation through the page
• Benefit to Content Provider
• Professional look to site
• Helps meet accessibility guidelines
• Benefit to Site Developer
• Developer does not have to remember to place these links
• A pages length is less of a concern- the user can easily reach the top again.

---

Feature: The Official University Footer
The footer is at the bottom of every page and contains: a smaller version of the UMD logo (which is also a link to the university homepage), a link to the official university copyright notice, and contact information including the university postal address, phone number, fax number, and email address.

• Benefit to User
  • Because the footer is repeated on every page, the site is uniform and familiar.
  • Contact information is provided on every page.
• Benefit to Content Provider
  • The footer is generated for new pages automatically.
• Benefit to Site Developer
  • The footer information can be edited by modifying one file