"The UC Davis (4.1 million annual users) homesite’s framework needed a significant upgrade that required extensive retooling (Drupal 7 to Drupal 8). We took this opportunity to reorganize, restructure, and refresh the existing web content and design with three main priorities: (1) streamlining the user experience of navigating the university admissions process for prospective students, (2) elevating the recognition of UC Davis’ regional location, and (3) showcasing our new digital branding in preparation for a national campaign.
We achieved these goals through (1) a robust content strategy based heavily on analytics, heatmaps, and user feedback, (2) new web presences elevating regional awareness, with pages dedicated to Davis as California’s college town and Davis as "in the middle of everywhere," and (3) building new web components and layouts that kept our big, clean designs intact while tastefully introducing digital versions of wood-cut illustrations and watercolor to align with our new brand.
The effort simplified navigating complex material for thousands of students and allowed UC Davis to utilize a brand new website for the entire 2021 yield cycle, which helped lead to a record number of student acceptances."
From the Judges
"• Engaging and colorful homepage
• Copy is lively and not too lengthy
• Photography is excellent and used to great effect"
