572166 University Website redesign

I have been retained to oversee the redesign of a prominent South African university's website. The project specifications are: • Maintain the feel , but revamp the design (See [login to view URL] & the “Scope” below) • Improve load speed. (Image optimisation, external stylesheets etc.) • Improve navigation • Utilise webdesign/ coding that will serve the institution for at least 5 years. (Html 5?) • Include a forum. • Site must be designed on development link (Not on the live site) • No Flash and minimal Java • On acceptance of quote, and before finalising design, we require a wireframe. • 30 day site-update period, after installing the site. • Maintenance contract for 6 months (Renewable) Redesign in accordance with the following guidelines: Scope • Using the current corporate identity as a base, refresh and develop the University of Fort Hare's web portal and to do this while cognisant of, who our target customers are and what personally appeals to them. (young intellectuals with an African cultural background) • The refreshed design also needs to consider what image is customary for our industry together with, if we would like to go with or against that? (Examples over here: [login to view URL]; & [login to view URL] ) • The refreshed design needs to be consistent with our visual branding and position while reinforcing our company's identity and message: friendly, serious, trendy, classic/traditional. • The refreshed look needs to be very corporate and clean without being cold. Include the following with your submission: • The current website's URL (To ensure you read the brief) • A breakdown of your cost for completion of the project. • Cost the 6 month maintenance on a monthly basis. • Cost the forum as a separate item. • How much do design updates cost? • Do you accept the 30 day update clause? • A brief resume' of your experience in this field • Portfolio/ examples (With URL's) of your work. • Any references we could contact. • Are you proficient in coding as well as webdesign? If so which? • Are you planning to use a CMS? If so which? • When can you start? • How long to completion (Estimate only)? • Provide one feature you would include that would meet the job spec requirements (Eg. compress all images) • What time zone are you in? • How long do you normally take to respond to Emails? • Do you have any special requirements (Eg hosting requirements) Background! These elements need to taken into consideration when coming up with the refresh: Established in 1916, the University Of Fort Hare (UFH) is a comprehensive public institution of Higher Learning with a proud African heritage. UFH has a rich legacy, known for the production of some of Africa's greatest minds and politicians. For many years, the university was the only tertiary – level facility available for blacks in Anglophone sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, it attracted students from a wide range of countries extended as far north as Kenya and Uganda. These students returned to their countries to form part of the educational elite, and many went on to play important and prominent roles in the liberation struggle and post – colonial leadership and development of these nations Vision • A vibrant, equitable and sustainable African university, committed to teaching and research excellence at the service of its students, scholars and the wider community. Mission • To provide high quality education of international standards contributing to the advancement of knowledge that is socially and ethically relevant and applying technological and socio-economic development of our nation and the wider world Values • Inspired by the heritage of the University and the contribution it has made to leadership, liberation and service to humanity; • Accepting that the purposes of education include the realization of our humanity as well as responsibility to the self, family and community; • Recognizing that in the pursuit of truth and knowledge, the University, as an institution of higher learning, shall maintain in all that it does an unwavering focus on excellence. • Affirming that a crucial role of education is to instil in learners respect, tolerance and social responsibility in an environment of academic freedom, dialogue, friendship and understanding; Objectives • To retain and grow the equity vested in the UFH brand. • To ensure consistent and uniform application of web elements across faculty and departments. • To distinguish UFH from its competitors. • To enhance UFH's online image internally and externally. • To ensure cost effective management of UFH's brand portfolio.