A major multi-year project for our Web Applications team has been moving SMU websites to the latest version of our Sitecore design templates, dubbed Cornerstone 2. SMU Libraries have recently worked with OIT to move their respective sites to these new templates, which marks the completion of this transition. Here’s some info on the incredible work accomplished by this group.
Cornerstone 2 templates have SMU’s latest design language and critical accessibility standards to ensure SMU websites meet specific brand guidelines and are easily and readily available to all members of our community. As one of the last major websites to be converted to Cornerstone 2, the Libraries utilized past analytics and current standards to ensure all of their pages were not only technically sound but also served library patrons better than ever before.
The transition of the SMU Libraries website to Cornerstone 2 was a collaborative effort between the Libraries team, led by Sarah Jenkins, Clayton Crenshaw, and Melissa Johnson, and OIT, led by Beth Andresen, who provided essential guidance on the new templates and layout options. Sarah Jenkins, representing SMU Libraries, described the process as a significant undertaking, noting, “In the previous version of the site, we had custom-built elements that didn’t follow the template.” The move to Cornerstone 2 required the Libraries to rethink their navigation, shifting from a custom-built “mega menu” to the standardized flyout menu, which meant restructuring the entire site architecture to fit the new system. This was not just a technical migration but a strategic redesign to better serve library users.
Analytics played a crucial role in informing the new structure. The team conducted user testing and analyzed which links and pages were most frequently accessed, ensuring that the new navigation reflected actual user needs. Sarah explained that “We did a lot of user testing and used analytics to see which links were being clicked in the mega menu, which pages were being visited, and what made sense or was even important anymore to us.” This data-driven approach helped the team create a more intuitive and accessible site.
Accessibility was a top priority throughout the project. The Libraries team regularly checked their pages with tools like DubBot and emphasized the importance of understandable architecture and plain language. “One of the main pillars of web accessibility is to be understandable. That’s why we do so much testing on the architecture, because the path that users are following needs to be logical; otherwise, it’s not understandable,” Sarah shared. The team worked diligently to minimize library jargon and ensure that content was clear and easy to navigate for all users.
The migration process was meticulously managed, with Sarah maintaining detailed spreadsheets tracking every page, URL, and component. This organization allowed for efficient template application and content placement, especially for special pages and landing pages. The project spanned approximately a year and a half from initial planning to launch, with OIT providing advisement, migration assistance, and automation support at key stages.
The outcome has been overwhelmingly positive. Internally, staff expressed excitement about the fresh look and improved usability of the site. Sarah reflected, “Everybody was really happy with the new template. I think because we were one of the last departments to move, we were all excited for the new look!” Now, the Libraries’ site aligns with SMU’s brand and accessibility standards, providing a better experience for both users and staff.
