Website renewal at School of Arts, Design and Architecture kicks off with a competition for students and alumni
16.05.2013
A competition is being arranged to find a new concept for the School of Arts, Design and Architecture website. This is a competition aimed specifically at identifying a new concept rather than a ready-made website. The goal is to continue developing the winning competition proposal with its creator new autumn.
’It’s wonderful to be able to do things in a way that allows us to utilise the experts at our school. This operating method is similar to the joint design that we consider so important, and it also illustrates the unique culture that we want to nurture at our school,’ emphasises Dean Helena Hyvönen.
Another target involves using the winning entry’s concept when presenting artistic activities outside the scope of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture website, for example, on the Aalto University website and on the Aalto ARTS department websites.
User feedback to support development
The tools for developing websites at Aalto University include usability tests and feedback from users. The website renewal is particularly aimed at improving website usability and updating the identity. Feedback from users has indicated a desire for more visual material.
’We’re looking for a concept that can make the visual competence at ARTS visible. In order to ensure that the visual material on the website is up to date, we need a functional visual content production solution,’ explains Communications Manager Eveliina Olsson, who serves as competition secretary.
Website renewal also extends to department websites
The Aalto University websites (aalto.fi and websites of the schools) are aimed at external stakeholders. The website renewal extends to department websites, too, and the departments of Aalto ARTS have also been asked for requests concerning development of the department websites. Their feedback on the existing websites will be taken into consideration when selecting the winning entry.
Entries in the Aalto ARTS website competition will be evaluated by a jury consisting of Communications Director Hanna Maula (Chair), Professors Pirjo Hirvonen, Marjatta Itkonen and Teemu Leinonen, student members Veera Konsti (TOKYO) and Jere Pääkkönen (Arkkitehtikilta), Concept Designer Teriina Lindblom (alumni), Communications Manager Anne Tapanainen (ARTS) and Head of Aalto Media Eveliina Olsson (Competition Secretary).
The jury will begin its work in September, with announcement of the competition winner(s) being set for October. Practical implementation will begin after that.
For more information about the website competition.
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The Aalto University website is undergoing a renewal during 2013. This applies to the main Aalto University website and to the school websites. The Aalto University website is aimed at external stakeholders. The largest individual user group is potential students, while other important stakeholders include the academic community, alumni and the so-called general public that is interested in science, research and artistic activities. The Aalto University website has approximately 570 000 hits each month, while the ARTS website receives about 35 000.
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