How a very small web team can support many clients

Maria Moore, Web Development Coordinator, Centre for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 133, Hobart 7001. Email: Maria.Moore@utas.edu.au

Keywords

web site, website, web support, quality, effectiveness, usability, audit

Abstract

The University of Tasmania (UTAS) evaluates its web sites using a 'Health Check' framework based on criteria designed to provide an optimal user experience. This framework combines three approaches: an evaluation of web sites (Health Check), training sessions given to web developers on selected topics taken from the Health Check, and the UTAS Web Publishing Guidelines. Conventional web site improvement services available commercially tend to concentrate on search engine optimisation and market effectiveness. The UTAS Health Check process incorporates both of these areas but also evaluates site maintenance procedures, content quality and the experience of the user. The Health Check framework is an efficient, practical and effective method for a very small team to provide support to a large client base and to promote its services.