Offline first
One of the biggest challenges we face is to ensure that our websites continue to work on all manner of devices. To meet this challenge, many web developers have adopted a mobile first design process....
View ArticleThe three hats of user experience
User experience (UX) and design patterns fall under three categories (or hats) – white hat, grey hat, and black hat – or more simply put, the good, the bad, and the ugly. The terms white/grey/black hat...
View ArticleSearch autocomplete
We have recently upgraded our search autocomplete functionality within the main site header. This update is designed to give users the best experience possible, reducing the amount of typing required...
View ArticleNew front-end developer
Hello world! I’m Teodora, and just last week, I hopped on board the Digital Communications team as a front-end web developer. As a front-end developer, there’s nothing I enjoy more than building...
View ArticleInstructional web content: The good and the bad
Instructional web content plays a vital role in guiding users to successfully complete tasks. However, not all instructional content is equal. Some content effortlessly assists users, while others...
View ArticleBenefits of Microsoft 365’s ecosystem
Digital ecosystems have reshaped how we approach productivity by seamlessly connecting various tools and services. Among the major tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Apple, ecosystems have become...
View ArticleSimplifying user testing: Steve Krug’s approach to usability
Steve Krug’s Rocket Surgery Made Easy shows a simple and efficient approach to usability testing that can provide deep insights on the University’s web pages. Rocket Surgery Made Easy by Steve Krug is...
View ArticleWhy you should rethink using PDF documents for online content
Consumption of digital content is part of our every day lives. It has never been easier for anyone to quickly create digital content. However, there’s a common pitfall many businesses and individuals...
View ArticleLaying the foundations for the University of St Andrews Design System
How the insights from Andrew Couldwell’s Laying the Foundations have helped the University to create its own design system. Creating a robust and future-proof design system for the University of St...
View ArticleUnlocking website optimisation: a comprehensive tool comparison
We explore some of the top tools that can refine websites for peak performance to improve user experience, enhance SEO rankings, and ensure accessibility. Website performance can significantly improve...
View Article