OTC has a few key guiding principles for all websites throughout the college.  All sites will be student-centered (usability), consistent (user experience), and accessible/effective (data-driven).

There are some websites under the direction of web services geared toward audiences other than students, but they are few and will follow many of the same guidelines. (i.e., foundation.otc.edu) 

Generally, when we pursue a student-centered pathway, it provides greater consistency in design, thus providing easy access to information, giving way to greater accessibility. Paring this process with data and student feedback provides greater assurance that your unit has the information to properly meet student needs.

Creating student-centered, consistent, and accessible websites eliminates confusion and better matches the student (or visitor) with the information they seek and the message you want them to read. 

OTC has the same standards and conventions for all system websites.*

With each website design we ask is it:

Student-Centered (Usability)

The OTC Web Services team follows a student-centered design process that seeks to engage end-users in all stages of design and development. From understanding requirements to test out designs, we work with you, your users, and stakeholders to find answers to the following questions:

  • Who is your primary target audience?
  • Why are they visiting your website? What are they trying to accomplish?
  • How do their environment, attitudes, and prior experiences impact their expectations of your site?
  • How do users refer to and think about your content?

A deep understanding of your end users’ needs will enable you to make strategic, data-driven decisions about your website content, navigation, and design.

Consistent (User Experience)

If the web is the college’s digital front door, then a user-centered approach defines how we treat our guests. The OTC-branded elements are designed to provide maximum utility for various audiences visiting OTC websites while maintaining a consistent experience across sites.

First and foremost, focus on your audiences and their primary needs. Then create your content to serve those needs. For example, you might focus on the services your unit provides instead of an organizational chart. In most cases, users visit your website in search of answers, and most often, those answers are more easily found when a website is structured around what you do rather than to whom you report.

Leverage the strength of the Ozarks Technical Community College reputation when building your site. Rather than attempting to create a branded identity for your department or a custom web design from scratch, use the resources on this site to provide your users with an effective website that is also within the established identity of the college.

By using the existing OTC-branded website resources, you can focus your efforts primarily on your serving your audiences with excellent and usable web content.

There are many ways to begin to focus on user experience. Browse through the pages in this section to learn more about our student-centered process or contact Web Services to explore ways for us to assist you with your website. 

Data-Driven (Accessible / Effectiveness)

Data-driven websites are essential for ensuring that your unit effectively caters to your visitor’s needs. In comparison to decisions made based upon personal opinion, data-backed decisions often yield more significant results. Additionally, websites that leverage data-driven design strategies often experience higher levels of engagement and conversions. Implement a data-driven approach to make your user experience more engaging, more memorable, and overall provide them with a more enjoyable experience – hopefully getting them to take action.

The Office of Web Services uses various data points including Google analytics to assess if websites are effective in their ability to meet a student-centered threshold. 

Special thanks to UO web department for their detailed written processes as some of the information in this guide is a direct duplication of information from their site.OTC’s Web Services department staff are members of the HighEdWeb.org organization and openly share in the community and its knowledge. 

*Unless otherwise directed by college policy.