McMaster University's home page has a new look. McMaster.ca has launched a new format that brings it in line with the University's new brand design and makes it easier to find the information users are looking for.

The website is the University's most important communications tool and hasn't been refreshed for several years. With the introduction of the new brand design, part of the University's three-year marketing strategy, it was time to update the website with a clean, bright and unique look.

More than a year in planning, the redesign involved consultation and usability studies with people throughout the McMaster community. The new pages launched today include mcmaster.ca, Discover McMaster and the Office of Public Relations areas.

The design features a new colour scheme, returning to McMaster's original maroon and grey, with many full-colour photos of the McMaster community and campus. More white space gives the home page a cleaner look and drop-down menus make navigation easier.

“We've had the benefit of ideas and guidance from the Integrated Marketing Group, which represents a wide range of departments and Faculties,” says Andrea Farquhar, director of Public and Government Relations. “We've also worked with web developers across campus and had a great deal of help from UTS. It's taken many hands to create a fresh, functional website.”

The Faculty of Health Sciences, the McMaster Museum of Art and Career Services have already updated the look of their websites following the new templates and the Brand Manual. Many other areas are working on conversions and it's hoped that the majority of areas across campus will move to the new templates as they update their sites.

“The real impact of the new look will be felt as more and more sites convert,” says Judith Chopra, associate director, public relations and marketing.

To obtain templates for the new design, please contact Chopra at ext. 22959 or chopraj@mcmaster.ca.