UNM Homepage Redesign Project
Project Overview
UNM is undergoing a multiyear homepage redesign of the UNM website to improve user experience, storytelling, accessibility, discoverability and efficiency as the digital front door to the University.
The project is led by University Communication and Marketing (UCAM) with support from strategic campus partners. Planning began in 2024 and the project is expected to continue through a multiphase approach.
About the Project
The UNM Homepage Redesign Project is a multiyear process with the ultimate objective to deliver a more effective, user-centered experience for current and prospective members of The University of New Mexico community. Guided by data-driven insights, the redesign will improve the site’s user interface, navigation and content to better meet user needs and tell the University’s story.
The scope of the project includes comprehensive research and discovery to assess the current homepage, identify pain points and implement targeted improvements. The updated homepage will streamline access to essential tools and resources for current Lobos, while improving discoverability for prospective students through modern search engine optimization.
This project supports UNM’s 2040 plan by advancing the “One University” and “Inclusive Excellence” goals through a unified digital experience and an equity- and accessibility-focused approach that improves usability and strengthens engagement across the University’s diverse communities.
Objectives
- Communicate our story and lead our website visitors—particularly prospective students—to the information they are looking for in a seamless manner.
- Ensure our homepage is aligned with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines established by the new ADA rule.
- Improve alignment with brand standards.
- Support search engine and AI optimization.
Accessibility
A key goal of the UNM Homepage Redesign Project is ensuring that the digital front door to the University is fully accessible to everyone in the Lobo community, current and future. The redesigned homepage will be built to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards, which public universities will be required to comply with under a 2024 Department of Justice rule updating Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This work is part of a broader, university-wide effort to bring UNM's websites, course materials, social media, and other digital touchpoints into compliance. This effort is guided by UNM's Digital Accessibility Committee and supported by campus partners including UNM IT, the Center for Teaching and Learning, and the Accessibility Resource Center.
Find more information about the new Title II rule and digital accessibility practices here.
Cascade Version 3 Template Development
Along with the UNM Homepage Redesign Project, a CMS Version 3 Template will be designed to improve user experience across UNM websites. The new template will complement the UNM homepage and implement web accessibility requirements to help website managers throughout UNM update department websites.
Roadmap and Status
Project Launch
Research and Discovery
- Assessment of the existing homepage
- Analysis of competitor websites
- Initial user testing and stakeholder interviews
Content Development
- Defining structure and scope
- Developing content strategy
- Auditing existing content and pages
Homepage Redesign
(Current Stage)- User Interface design of global navigation, www.unm.edu homepage, and supporting pages
- Development of a web style guide for the Cascade Version 3 template
- Web accessibility updates
Feedback Gathering
- Selected focus groups and community engagement workshops
- User testing
Homepage Launch
- Updates to the www.unm.edu homepage and supporting pages
- Education and support around site updates
- Collect feedback and integrate updates
Future
- Limited Cascade version 3 template implementation begins
- Broader availability for Version 3 Template
What’s Next?
Future updates about the UNM Homepage Redesign Project will be shared here as they become available. If you have questions or feedback, please share them using the form below. Input from the campus community is essential in guiding all phases of this project. Please note that due to the volume of submissions, not all feedback submitted may receive a direct response.
