Completely Accessible Education
In May 2022, Waterford Institute of Technology (Waterford IT) and The Institute of Technology, Carlow (IT Carlow) joined forces to create a unified institution now known as South Eastern Technological University (SETU). This merger marked a significant milestone in the Irish education sector, as it aimed to bring together the strengths of both institutions under a single entity. To ensure this transition was reflected in its digital presence, SETU needed a robust, user-friendly website that would serve as a hub for its students, staff, and other stakeholders. Kooba, having previously designed a successful website for Waterford IT, was approached to spearhead this project and develop a new website that aligned with SETU’s vision.
Accessibility First
From the very beginning of the project, accessibility was established as a core priority by SETU. As a university catering to a diverse body of students and staff, it was essential that the new website was inclusive and easy to use for everyone. This meant designing the website not only as a repository for administrative and educational content but also as an accessible resource for individuals with varying needs. Kooba took this directive seriously and ensured that accessibility was incorporated into every stage of the design and development process.
Accessibility wasn’t treated as an afterthought or a box to check off; it was an integral part of the foundation. By integrating accessibility principles into the design from the outset, Kooba was able to deliver a website that met rigorous standards efficiently and comprehensively. This was most evident in the user interface (UI), which was designed with high-contrast color palettes, larger font sizes, and a clear font style that enhanced readability.
For users with visual impairments, these visual enhancements were particularly beneficial, ensuring that the content on the website was easy to view and navigate. Additionally, a color-coded content system was implemented, allowing users to quickly identify the type of information they were looking for at a glance. These features not only improved accessibility for those with specific needs but also enhanced the overall user experience by presenting information in a clear, organized manner.
Below the Surface
While the visible aspects of accessibility, such as UI design, played a key role in making the website user-friendly, a significant amount of work was also done “below the surface” to ensure inclusivity. Many of these features were designed specifically for individuals using assistive technologies like screen readers. These behind-the-scenes enhancements are often unnoticed by the average user but can be transformative for those who rely on them.
Kooba ensured that the HTML structure of the website was logical and easy to navigate. This approach enabled users to move through the site using only a limited number of keyboard shortcuts, an essential feature for those who may have physical disabilities or who use screen readers. Additionally, every element on the site was coded with clear and specific associated values, enabling screen readers to describe content accurately and meaningfully to users.
The content templates developed for the website were also designed with accessibility in mind. By creating templates that were both user-friendly and logically organized, the team ensured that site content could be easily consumed by all visitors, regardless of their level of digital literacy or the technology they were using. This thoughtful design extended to the user experience (UX) as well. The website’s layout was intentionally kept simple and intuitive, making it easy for visitors to locate specific pages or resources without the need for extensive searching.
Step by Step
Building a website for SETU presented a unique challenge: the need to reflect the individual identities of the two merging institutions while also establishing a fresh and unified brand for SETU. Waterford IT and IT Carlow had their own distinct branding, UX practices, and site navigation pathways, and these elements needed to be thoughtfully integrated into the new website. Kooba approached this challenge with a strategic two-phase process.
The first phase involved developing an interim website for SETU that could coexist with the existing websites of IT Carlow and Waterford IT. This transitional site allowed SETU to establish a digital presence without the pressure of a tight deadline, while also giving Kooba’s team time to carefully plan and implement the final website. The second phase was the creation of the permanent SETU website, designed to go live after the full amalgamation of the two universities was completed. This step-by-step approach allowed for a more deliberate and considered development process, ensuring that the final website accurately represented the new institution and met the needs of all stakeholders.
A Website for Everyone
The ultimate goal of SETU’s website was inclusivity in every sense of the word. This involved creating a platform that was not only accessible to all users but also representative of the university’s identity and the institutions that had come together to form it. On both counts, the project was a resounding success.
The website underwent an extensive accessibility audit to meet WCAG 2 guidelines. It earned an outstanding AA+ rating, demonstrating full compliance with existing and upcoming accessibility standards. This high level of accessibility meant that all visitors—regardless of ability—could navigate the website with ease and access the resources they needed.
Moreover, the website succeeded in enhancing user engagement. For example, views on the “new courses” page increased by an astonishing 500%, while overall engagement across course pages rose by 278%. These metrics highlighted the effectiveness of the site’s design in capturing and maintaining the attention of its users.
Through its focus on thoughtful UX and UI design, Kooba was able to deliver a website that met the diverse needs of SETU’s stakeholders. The end result was a platform that wasn’t just compliant with accessibility standards but was also inclusive, intuitive, and reflective of SETU’s vision as a forward-thinking institution. By addressing accessibility at every level and carefully navigating the complexities of the merger, Kooba and SETU created a digital space that truly served everyone.
