The website is the central digital communication and information platform of the UdK Berlin and provides interfaces to other digital services of the university. It is based on a decentralised editorial system, meaning that each faculty, institute and department is responsible for its own content. There are currently around 350 active editors. These editors are supported by Selina Russo and trainee Anna Maria Roth from the Press and Communications Department.
The development of the UdK website
The website of the Berlin University of the Arts (UdK Berlin) is the university's central information and communication platform in the digital space. It provides information for different target groups. In order to fulfil this role in a sustainable and satisfactory way, the website is undergoing a gradual development process.
This evolution is in response to evolving user needs and growing digital opportunities. The aim is to create a website that is as accessible and user-friendly as possible and that guides visitors seamlessly through the online presence. In November 2024, the first results of this development process became visible with the restructuring of the front page.
The UdK Berlin website and development project is managed by Selina Russo in collaboration with Anna Maria Roth from the Press and Communications Department, under the direction of Claudia Assmann.
FAQ
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The website informs prospective students and supports UdK members, especially students, in their daily lives. It also serves as the primary external digital communication platform for the UdK Berlin, addressing a variety of target groups, including culture enthusiasts - with over 700 public events per year, the UdK Berlin is a major cultural provider in the city - as well as press representatives and cooperation partners from the arts, culture, research, science and politics. The website is also a tool for attracting prospective students. These different target groups, requirements and tasks call for a clear information architecture. The redesign aims to sharpen the content and improve clarity.
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The main changes relate to the information structure of the site. Whereas previously the site had a magazine-style approach with different content juxtaposed, the new information structure is now clear, consistent and organised. To achieve this, the content was analysed and restructured. Through conceptual processes with experts from the university, new digital elements are created to clearly organise relevant content. Digital search is simplified and accelerated. As a first step, the front page was restructured to improve navigation for both internal and external users.
In addition, the Typo3 backend system will be updated to ensure technical stability. Specifically, Typo3 version 10.4.45 will be upgraded to version 12.
Parallel to this, a comprehensive participatory process is underway in the Strategic Marketing Department to develop a new visual self-image for the UdK Berlin. This Process is in exchange with the website development but is considered an independent project. Visual adjustments resulting from the visual self-image development will be integrated into the Website at a later date.
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From 12 November 2024, two new features will be available to editors: a new video player that can play subtitles and sign language to improve accessibility. More information and instructions will soon be available at VideoJS Player [link to follow]. In addition, an accordion menu, already used in this FAQ section, will be available. Training material for this will soon be available at Accordion Menu [link to follow].
As the development process continues, the backend of the website will also change. The UdK website is based on the Typo3 content management system, which is being upgraded from version 10 to version 12. Due to the size and complexity of the site, this upgrade process requires a complete migration to the new system. During the transition period, the site will be hosted on both systems. Once the migration is complete, the old backend will be deactivated.
In order to ensure a smooth migration and to avoid the transfer of outdated content, collaboration with the site editors will be essential. Additional resources from the external agency 3PC will be used to support this process. The migration will be centrally organised and editors will be informed in advance of the steps required.
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The UdK website is decentralised. Faculties, centers, institutes, and departments are responsible for managing their own content. Approximately 350 editors are involved in this process and are supported by regular training and CMS support (cms-support@udk-berlin.de). The content of the homepage is edited centrally by the Press and Communication Department.
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The Press and Communications Department, in cooperation with the external agency 3PC and in close consultation with the university management, has initiated a development process that incorporates the expertise of various status groups at the UdK. This involvement is taking place through workshops, interviews and qualitative surveys. Interim results will be presented and documented in various configurations within the university.
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In order to make the digital presence of the UdK more accessible in the long term, the website is constantly being developed. The results of an audit according to the BITV 2.0 guidelines were transparently published in the digital accessibility statement. Here you can find information on internal and external contact points and contacts for people with disabilities.
One of the first steps towards an accessible website is the translation of web content into simple language. This content has been enhanced with images and checked by external organisations. It is available via the book icon in the header of the website. In addition, a new video player has been integrated to support sign language and subtitles.
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The website’s development is taking place gradually. After restructuring the homepage, the focus will shift to the "Studies" section. Program pages will be redesigned, and a central section on the topic of studies will be created. Additionally, a specialized search for study programs will be developed.
In the future, several new templates will be available for decentralized editors to transfer content into the new system. Project progress will be continuously documented and communicated internally.