Part Six: Home Page Recommendations (excerpts only)
This page is your opportunity to clearly state ACME's organizational purpose, and to present an image and an attitude; to set the tone for your corporate identity.
This page needs to be much 'stronger' than it is, and this can be achieved by simplifying the layout and minimizing the number of messages - and minimizing the amount of information-sections. At first glance, one doesn't know what the most significant components are.
This page also acts as a gateway for members, students and partners - and anyone else already familiar with ACME who simply need access to the latest information, on-line courses, etc.
Access to these places should be immediate and intuitive.
Redesign your homepage with the three parts, mentioned earlier, in mind: ACME brand; toolbar; and Live content area
Colour: there was some discussion and thought about changing the red/burgundy colour, but as long as it fits with ACME's general corporate identity, it doesn't need to be changed - as long as the border is minimized, as mentioned in #1 of the Overall Site Recommendations - it will be a major improvement.
Keep the new design clean and simple. Less is more so let it breathe, and remember, you can't put 'everything' on the home page, so lets keep it logical and organized. This will go a long way in making the site more punchy, comprehendible and respected.
One powerful image that illustrates your mandate of professionalism, excellence, and Aboriginal pride, on the homepage would be nice. Try to make it work with the ACME logo; perhaps blend the two together. Currently, you have the ACME branding at the top and the four smaller images down below. These images ARE interesting, however, they unfortunately add to the 'clutter' caused by so many elements in the current layout.
Actively seek opportunities to develop and post new information that is of value to your audiences; don't just wait for the next major website update (make this an ongoing process). A good example of an opportunity is the recently-signed memorandum of understanding with your new partner.
Consider turning to your monthly and quarterly newsletters for timely content-sources. You can post stories as they are written, instead of waiting for the publication date to issue all of them together. Your website will then act as the best source for current information and you can then use your newsletters to bring people back to the site.
