Design EDU™

Editor's Comments

The home page redesign of Simmons College showcases how a college can develop a high-quality design while advantaging web standards (CSS, XHTML validation). This is one of the first college or university home pages we’ve seen proudly displaying XHTML and CSS validation links at the bottom of the page, which shows a continued commitment towards forward compliant site design.

The user interface design of the top level site is young and energetic. The use of vibrant colors and creative imagery carries throughout the top level pages of the website. Another interesting design feature is the use of changing color palettes and type of imagery (photos, paintings etc…) used for the college’s different schools. The design team did an excellent job in keeping the consistency of the layout and at the same time making each section fresh and inviting. I felt a sense of exploration as I navigated the top level of the website as if I was visiting a gallery for the first time. This is a far different feeling than most other college and universities websites which generally look completely template-driven or the reverse, styles are scattered everywhere with no consistency. Simmons pulls off a consistency of design which doesn’t stagnate though the surfing experience.

+ Tableless CSS
+ Home page validates for both XHTML and CSS
- Home page (not 508 compliant at the time of this post)
- Flash (instead of text links) used for navigation on school gateways.

About Simmons College
Simmons College is a nationally distinguished, small university in the heart of Boston.