Previewing home page designs

Prior to reviewing the new home page design concepts we felt it was important to describe some of the elements that will be a part of the new designs so people can get a feel for the site and the depth of content. That said, here is a wireframe (a blueprint that represents the page elements) for the home page as well as a description for each of the different parts of the page. Click on the image to get a larger version.


Page Element Descriptions

1. Resource Navigation - This page element sits at the very top of the home page and will be a consistent element on sub-pages. This navigation is intended to be the utility things that regular users to the site will find helpful.
   
2. Header - This area will include the NC State University logo as well as two navigation elements that are critical to improving site navigation and user experience -- a search field and quick links pull-down area. While the current ncsu.edu site has the search field a level down, the new site will have a search area on all pages. In addition, the quick links area will provide users with links to commonly used sites throughout the university. This may include things like university policies, webmail, registration and records, WebCT, academic calendars, administrative portals and others. In addition, we hope to be able to allow users to customize the quick links area. For an example of this type of functionality see the current Virginia Tech website.
   
3. Main Navigation Area - This is located in the left in all design concepts and includes both audience and topical navigation. Audience based links are: Future Students, Current Students, Faculty & Staff, Parent & Family (new), Alumni and Partners. Topical links are: About NC State (new), Academics, Research, Outreach, Campus Life (new) and Athletics. These all link to secondary pages customized specifically for each group. All of the secondary landing pages will be much more dynamic than on the current site and will feature content/copy and not just a laundry list of links.
4. Primary Feature Area - Designed to be a dynamic and constantly changing, this area will be the main focus of the new home page design. It is located in the middle of the screen and is the largest item on the page. It provides an opportunity to share some of the great stories and happenings from throughout the campus, centered around six main themes -- academics, research, outreach, campus life, diversity and international programs. Exact messaging will be determined as content is developed. The area will rotate and a different image will "randomize" on page load. In addition, users will be able to see the other stories featured and be able to cycle through. Rich media will be used in this section as appropriate and may include the option to view video.
5. Rotating Banners - Two "banners" are currently a part of the page design. These could include information on applying to the university or supporting/giving to the university. In addition, these areas could also be used for timely or seasonal information, including commencement, registration, etc.
   
6. News/Events Column - This section is intended to provide users with the latest news and events from campus. News headlines will link to news.ncsu.edu. Calendar events will link to the new university public events calendar. News and Events are broken apart for more of an opportunity to feature each better than we currently present this information.
   
7. Quick Facts - Very popular during focus group testing, this section will provide nuggets of information that users may find interesting. Users will be able to cycle through several facts that could include things like ranking information, average SAT scores or GPA's of incoming students, research information and other highlights.
   
8. Campus Slide Show - These thumbnail images from throughout campus are intended to share some of the visual happenings from throughout the university. Images will get bigger as rolled over or you can click launch to view the images individually.
   
9. Page Footer - Sits at the bottom of the home page and all second level pages. It will include links to a site map/A-Z directory, contact information, privacy statement and copyright information, campus safety and information about the site. It will also include the university address and main switchboard phone number.