Web Design and WordPress CMS for St Hugh’s College
We were asked to create a more accessible and up to date website for Oxford University college St Hugh’s, with a goal to entice more college students to apply.
Services
Introduction
St Hugh’s College, one of Oxford University’s largest and most inclusive colleges, sought to modernise its online presence to better reflect its commitment to exceptional learning and to attract prospective students. Recognising the importance of a dynamic and accessible digital platform, the college partnered with Hexagon Webworks to bring this vision to life.
The challenges
The existing website of St Hugh’s College faced several challenges:
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Outdated Design: The site’s aesthetics and functionality did not align with contemporary web standards, potentially deterring tech-savvy applicants.
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Limited Accessibility: The website lacked features to accommodate users with disabilities, hindering inclusivity.
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Inefficient User Experience: Navigational difficulties and a lack of integrated functionalities made it cumbersome for users to find information or engage with the college online.
The solutions
To address these challenges, Hexagon Webworks implemented a comprehensive digital transformation:
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Responsive Web Design: Crafted a modern, mobile-friendly design that resonates with the college’s prestigious heritage while appealing to a new generation of students.
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Custom WordPress Development: Developed a bespoke WordPress theme incorporating WooCommerce for e-commerce capabilities and EventEspresso for seamless event management.
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Enhanced Accessibility: Ensured the website met high accessibility standards, enabling all users to navigate and interact with ease.
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Integrated Functionalities: Introduced features such as online application forms, support request systems, and event booking platforms to streamline user engagement.
The results
The revitalised St Hugh’s College website now offers:
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Improved User Engagement: A seamless and intuitive browsing experience has led to increased time spent on the site and higher interaction rates.
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Broadened Accessibility: The inclusive design ensures that users of all abilities can access and benefit from the site’s resources.
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Operational Efficiency: Automated processes for applications, event bookings, and support requests have reduced administrative burdens and enhanced responsiveness.
Through this collaboration, St Hugh’s College has embraced a digital platform that reflects its esteemed reputation and forward-thinking ethos, positioning itself as a beacon of inclusivity and academic excellence in the digital age.
