IWP Training

IWP Overview

Purpose

The Integrated Web Platform (IWP) project marks a shift from the outdated Site Builder and Blog systems to Drupal, a more scalable and flexible content management system (CMS). This transition will not only update the appearance and functionality of UC ANR’s websites but will also optimize how information is structured, making it easier for users to find the content they need. IWP will continue to evolve as new features and governance processes are implemented.

About Drupal

Drupal is the content management system (CMS) chosen for the Integrated Web Platform (IWP). Drupal powers the IWP with modern tools for managing dynamic content and providing a streamlined user experience. For more detailed information about Drupal, visit https://www.drupal.org/.

Key benefits of Drupal for UC ANR include:

  • Improved Content Organization: Drupal's taxonomy system enables sophisticated categorization, enhancing content discoverability.
  • Enhanced Searchability: Content in Drupal is structured for better SEO (Search Engine Optimization), making it easier for users to find what they need.
  • Greater Flexibility: Drupal's Content Types provide templates for various kinds of content, allowing for consistent but also dynamic presentation.
  • Scalability: Drupal can handle large volumes of content and traffic, accommodating our growing needs and improving system stability and availability.
  • Consistency: IWP will help ensure a uniform look and feel across the website, enhancing the user experience and promoting UC ANR branding.

 

What IWP Provides

  • Content hub
  • People search/job search
  • General website
  • Homepage

 

About Content Types & Taxonomy

What Are Content Types?

Content types define the format and structure for different types of content on the UC ANR website. They standardize how information is presented, making it easier to manage while providing flexibility for various kinds of content. IWP will continue to use many familiar content types, along with some new features and improvements.

To learn more, please refer to Content Types

What is UC ANR’s Taxonomy?

The UC ANR taxonomy is an essential tool that helps users navigate the website by organizing content using consistent terms and categories. It involves using consistent categories and tags to make content easier to find and navigate. This structure ensures users can quickly locate the information they need.

Best Practice for Managing Taxonomies:
  • User-Centered Navigation: UC ANR’s taxonomy structure reflects user needs, helping visitors find what they need efficiently.
  • Ongoing Optimization: The taxonomy will be continually refined based on user feedback and analytics, with quarterly reviews by the Content Governance Council.
  • Taxonomy Requests: Users can suggest new terms, and the Content Governance Council will review these proposals to ensure they align with existing standards, including terms used in the National Agriculture Library.

Content Governance Structure / Site Request

What is Content Governance?

Content governance is a structured set of guidelines that define how content is created, managed and published on the UC ANR website. These guidelines ensure that content remains high-quality, on-brand, and aligned with UC ANR’s strategic goals.

Governance is not intended to restrict the dissemination of information but to enhance the user experience by ensuring consistency, clarity and relevance across all UC ANR sites.

The plan calls for the creation of a Content Governance Council to manage high-level decisions, but please note that UC ANR employees and designated volunteers will continue to have seamless, local control of their websites, blogs and content.

Why is Content Governance Needed?

The previous Site Builder system lacked formal workflows and content review processes, resulting in outdated and redundant content that negatively impacted user engagement and search engine performance.

Implementing a governance model for the IWP will ensure that:

  • Content is regularly reviewed and optimized for search engines.
  • Sites are better organized, reducing decision fatigue for visitors.
  • Content remains up-to-date, accurate, and aligned with UC ANR’s mission.
Requesting a New Site

To improve site performance and provide a consistent experience for site visitors, IWP introduces a new process for requesting the creation of a new UC ANR website. All new site requests will be reviewed by UC ANR’s Strategic Communications team. The team aims to respond to site requests within one week of the request date.

Before requesting a new site, make sure to review the Requesting A Site Blog Taxonomy document for important information.

 

Standardized Layouts (Design)

IWP introduces Standardized Layouts to ensure consistent design across all UC ANR sites. These predefined layouts have been designed to meet UC ANR’s branding and usability standards, making content creation easier and more efficient for web editors.

Benefits of these standardized layouts include:

  • Consistency: All sites will have a uniform look and feel, enhancing the overall user experience and brand recognition.
  • Ease of Use: Predefined layouts reduce the time and effort required by web editors to design and organize content, allowing them to focus on delivering quality information.
  • Flexibility for Growth: While layouts are restricted for consistency, they allow for flexibility in content and design evolution, ensuring that future updates or changes can be easily implemented without compromising the core design.

New UC ANR Home Page

See below for a scroll through of the new UC ANR home page.

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Opportunity for Future Enhancements

The Integrated Web Platform (IWP) is designed to grow and evolve over time, ensuring that the platform continues to meet the needs of UC ANR and its users. While the current system offers many advanced features, there are several future enhancements that could be added, either through Drupal or through the ongoing work of the governance system. Users can submit a future enhancement request for consideration.

Governance-Driven Updates: The Content Governance Council will play a key role in identifying opportunities for improvement. As part of its review process, the council will evaluate user feedback and propose changes to improve taxonomy structures, content types, or workflow processes to better serve UC ANR’s goals.

Expanded Content Personalization: Future enhancements could include more sophisticated personalization features, allowing UC ANR to deliver customized content based on user preferences, behavior or demographics. This would improve engagement by providing more relevant content to visitors.

Custom Workflows with Group Publisher Role: To further streamline the content approval and publishing process, IWP will introduce the Group Publisher role later on. This role will be responsible for reviewing and approving specific content types within their group. Group Publishers will ensure that content is properly moderated and aligned with UC ANR’s content strategy before publication.