Along with the new school year came a completely new look for nd.edu, Notre Dame's official website. The University debuted the revamped site on Aug. 28, featuring a fresh design, easier navigation and exciting content.
The new site delivers a more interactive experience for visitors, relying on video to bring users to the heart of the campus. A video "carousel" on the homepage allows visitors to scroll through and watch videos that feature a variety of current happenings at Notre Dame. The video carousel requires the latest version of the Adobe Flash Player. Although some users may need to download an upgrade to view the page, the process is quick and easy.
The new design targets three specific groups of online visitors: those who are unfamiliar with Notre Dame and are experiencing it for the first time, such as potential students; those who are looking for basic information about the University and those who use nd.edu on a regular basis, such as current students and staff.
In addition to the new look, the website proves to be more user-friendly for both new and frequent visitors. The search feature, for example, now includes a partnership with Google, an enhancement that makes finding specific information easier. The "popular sites" button takes you to seven of the most frequently accessed pages on the site, including Irish Online. And the Alumni Association link is conveniently located on the main page.
While some of the content housed in the new website remains unchanged, much of it has a brand new look as well. For example, the athletics site has been revamped and now features a more engaging landing page that includes video clips of sports press conferences and interviews, and access to live events. The site even has an interactive Notre Dame fan center, complete with photos, ticket purchasing and guides.
