Web Platforms/Services (WPS) is thrilled to announce the launch of a brand new website to share data collected from the annual Web-Needs Survey. This new website is your gateway to glean valuable insights and information about the people and groups who build websites at UW–Madison.
The team firmly believes in sharing the knowledge derived from the Web-Needs Survey project with the entire campus community. This new website serves as a hub for sharing data in order to create a stronger, more connected web ecosystem across UW–Madison.
About the survey project
In collaboration with 6 different campus partners, the annual Web-Needs Survey was started in 2019 by WPS and sought to better understand:
- the people and groups who do website work at UW—Madison.
- trends and usage of different website tools like WordPress, Drupal, and other technologies.
- where there are gaps within campus website services and support.
The goal was to use this information to help make informed decisions about how to improve WPS web publishing services, which include UW KnowledgeBase, WiscWeb, and DoIT Web Hosting. However, the many other groups that provide web services and support on campus might also be interested in the survey results. WPS hopes that by sharing these insights with the broader campus community, it will invite more conversation and collaboration around the topic.
Explore the 2023 survey results
Dive into the 2023 survey results and learn about the people who create and manage websites across our campus and the challenges they face.
This year’s survey contained 12 different questions, and the results are aggregated to protect the identities of respondents. From usage of popular website tools like WordPress and Drupal to questions about the UW Theme and where people would like additional support, this data will keep you informed about the ever-evolving world of web development at UW–Madison.
User personas
The Web-Needs website highlights three different fictional user personas inspired by real interview data. These personas provide a rich understanding of the people who design, build, and manage websites on our campus. By exploring these personas, you’ll gain deeper insights into their goals, needs, challenges, and aspirations. Let’s build empathy and foster collaboration within our web community!
Bridging gaps and enhancing support
At the heart of the Web-Needs Survey project is the commitment to identifying gaps in campus website services and support. By collecting data directly from you—the web experts—we can better understand your needs and challenges. Armed with this knowledge, WPS is dedicated to enhancing campus web services.
Impacts on the WiscWeb service
Since the survey project started in 2021, it has resulted in a significant expansion of features and improvements to the WiscWeb WordPress service in particular. A few highlights include:
- Feature request board: A GitLab board was added to track feature requests. This allows users to submit their suggestions. The team then reviews the suggestions and adds new content regularly based on the feedback received.
- Increased knowledge base documentation: More knowledge base documentation was created to showcase the new features and provide users with comprehensive instructions and explanations.
- Personalized WordPress dashboard: Critical news and announcements were added to the WordPress dashboard within WiscWeb so that users can easily stay updated on latest enhancements and major changes and updates to the service.
- Virtual office hours: Virtual office hours were introduced to provide one-on-one help to users who require it.
- User experience improvements: Updates included equal block heights, pronouns field for faculty/staff listings, customizable image carousel buttons, jump links for group of links menus, improved list styles, drop shadow and card styles, filtering for faculty/staff lists, and more.
Additional features: Numerous new features were added, including new embed options, a reusable content plugin, primary administrator designation, native password protection, feature for displaying post revisions and a new events plugin.
Get involved
The project team uses a mixed methods approach of quantitative and qualitative efforts to help strengthen and expand their findings. From DNS scans, surveys and user interviews, they continue to grow and enhance this research each year. Share your thoughts, ideas and experiences by signing up for a 30 minute user interview, or contacting the project team directly to get involved and collaborate on future projects.
Join the conversation and visit the Web-Needs Survey website today at webneeds.it.wisc.edu!