RTF Grad Student Portfolio

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RTF Grad Student Portfolio

• Chris McConnell
• December 6, 2006
• Information Architecture I

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Who Would Use this Site?

• RTF Graduate Students
• Prospective Graduate Students
• Festival Atendees
• Funders
• Other members of the community.

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Single Student Portfolio Site
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Multi-Student Portfolio Site
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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.