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RTF Grad Student Portfolio

RTF Grad Student Portfolio. Chris McConnell December 6, 2006 Information Architecture I. Idea that led to the Project. Last year, a central Web space for RTF graduate students was proposed. Existing student directory was updated infrequently.

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RTF Grad Student Portfolio

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  1. RTF Grad Student Portfolio Chris McConnell December 6, 2006 Information Architecture I

  2. Idea that led to the Project • Last year, a central Web space for RTF graduate students was proposed. • Existing student directory was updated infrequently. • Production MFAs approached me to build them Web sites. • Few Media Studies students have a Web presence.

  3. Some Considerations • The department Webmaster has little time to update and proofread student directory, leading to bad information. • Production & Screenwriting students often want to update information as work progresses or festivals loom. • Department does not want to be responsible for student-generated content.

  4. A “Web 2.0” Site? • Ideally students would be able to upload their own content to the site, and update it as needed. • Few students would have the time or expertise to hand-code sites. • A consistent layout and site would enhance the overall image of the deparment. • Moving it to a private server would reduce fears of damaging department reputation.

  5. Who Would Use this Site? • RTF Graduate Students • Prospective Graduate Students • Festival Atendees • Funders • Other members of the community.

  6. Single Student Portfolio Site

  7. Multi-Student Portfolio Site

  8. Basic Site Metaphor • A Directory! • Users are probably interested in two kinds of information: specific students and specific programs • There are few different kinds of information uploaded, but a lot of it.

  9. Labeling • Because the metaphor is simple, the labels are pretty simple, mostly the program tracks. • One issue is how to label “production” • MFA? • Production? • Filmmaking.

  10. Color Palettes • Because the site is designed for UT student work, the clear answer is to use a palette based on burnt orange. • Simple de-saturated colors • Web-safe-ish… • Text-based templates for maintenance and visual media • Relatively simple CSS

  11. WordPress • Standard blogging engine/CMS • Seemed to be easy enough for uploading by student end-users • Requires a significant amount of hacking to use as CMS • Plugins, editing PHP templates. • Sometimes behaved strangely.

  12. Lessons Learned • MFA students, erm, production students often already have web sites. • A simple directory or Friendster-like site may be enough. • WordPress is probably too difficult for people to pick up cold. • Require training session for students.

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