Designing and Implementing a Multi-Campus University Website : A Practitioner's Perspective on the Busitema University Website Development Project.

Abstract

The Busitema University website faced significant challenges, including outdated information, poor user experience, and lack of mobile optimization, hindering effective communication in its multi-campus setting. To address these issues, the university employed a user-centered design approach and iterative development, leveraging Drupal as the content management system. Stakeholder engagement through surveys, focus groups, and workshops ensured the platform met diverse needs across six campuses. The new website features real-time updates, mobile-friendly design, and interactive tools like live chat, significantly improving accessibility and usability. Performance metrics showed a 30% increase in traffic and a 15% reduction in bounce rates within the first month, alongside higher user satisfaction. The project highlights the importance of UCD and stakeholder collaboration in overcoming multi-campus coordination challenges. Future enhancements could include advanced mobile features and immersive technologies like VR campus tours. This initiative underscores the critical role of well-designed university websites in fostering communication, recruitment, and institutional branding. Keywords- Busitema University, Multi-campus University, Stakeholder engagement, University website design, User experience, Web development