From strings to things
Website searches have the potential to be a much richer experience than just finding content that matches the search term (string). Google has been providing ‘rich snippets’ since 2009 to describe people, provide…
Search by author: Stephen Evans
I have been working for the University since 2005. Prior to that I was a research scientist at Cambridge University studying different biological processes using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Academia wasn't for me, even though scanning strawberries and melons was fascinating! Now I oversee the work of the team and provide support where it is needed, particularly on the web development side of things. I am also an alum of the University, where I studied plant biology.
Six steps to overcome online indecision
How do we make it easier for users of the University website to find the right link, the right information they need? The current landing pages for current staff and current students provide a plethora of choices –…
Using cues.ai to inform decision making
We have been using software called cues.ai from a company called Twenty Thousand Leagues, since April this year. When students view a course page, the software prompts students with a question ‘are you interested in…
How to indicate required and optional fields in forms
Online forms can be complicated to complete. How can we make it easy for users to know which fields have to be filled in and which ones are optional? An article by the Nielsen Norman Group recommends that all fields…
Academic Schools project
The Academic Schools project has lasted nearly two years. With the launch of the School of Biology on 4 June 2020 it brought to completion the redesign of 24 different websites.
Web developer vacancy
The digital communications team is seeking a Web Developer. The Web Developer will play a vital role in ensuring that all aspects of the University’s digital sphere are working as designed.
Redesign of University maps
The University maps page has been in existence since 2008. It uses code from Google to display locations on a map of St Andrews. The map has now been redesigned so that it uses the latest Google code and the digital…
The new University search system
During the week beginning 17 December 2018, the University search system will be replaced. The current search system, Google Search Appliance (GSA), will no longer work after 31 December 2018 as Google no longer…
News and media centre website
The new website for news and media was launched on 7 June 2018. The new website provides a number of enhancements over the old site. For example: news can be categorised and tagged so it’s easier to find news can be…
Migrating to WP Engine
On 22 March 2018 we migrated the University WordPress multisite installation from St Andrews to WP Engine. One month on, what has our experience been of WP Engine and what lessons have we learnt from the migration…