The impact of new websites
Creating a new website increases complexity for the user. They need to learn a new interface and new journeys between websites. They face more obstacles finding content.
New websites need design, development, maintenance, and support throughout their lifecycle, at significant cost to Jisc.
We should be creating new websites by exception.
Jisc services
In general, it is acceptable to create a new website to deliver a Jisc service. These are typically standalone apps where users come to complete end-to-end tasks.
However, given the impact of new websites, your service design process should always include consideration of these alternative solutions (in this order):
- Content or features on jisc.ac.uk (or other corporate site)
- Bundled with an existing service
- ‘Lower tech’ solution to achieve the same outcomes eg a mailing list
Get started with our guidance for Jisc service websites
Other types of websites
New websites for purposes other than delivering a Jisc service need justification.
Acceptable cases include:
- Associate sites: where there is a requirement for a site to distance itself from Jisc or where Jisc is not the major partner – see our guidance for associate sites
- Third-party tools: where a solution can be achieved through a third-party web product quickly and cheaply – see our guidance for third party tools
- It is a condition of funding
For an informal conversation about your case, email user.experience@jisc.ac.uk
Use corporate web functions
Our corporate websites are the home of key content, features and shared services.
On other websites, you should not duplicate corporate web functions without good reason. This degrades the user experience by fragmenting content, mixing messages, and increasing complexity. It is also a waste of Jisc’s resources.
The key functions for our corporate sites are as follows:
| Jisc.ac.uk | Subscription and services manager | Jisc involve |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and solution marketing | Self-serve purchase of Jisc services | Blogs for Jisc services, R&D projects, and topic area advice |
| Advice and guidance | Service usage reporting | |
| Jisc service information | Financial reporting | |
| R&D information | Membership management | |
| Communities information and signposting | ||
| Events and training |
To discuss creating or updating content or features for our corporate sites, please contact web@jisc.ac.uk
Global UX vision
Every Jisc website should occupy a unique position in our digital estate and create clear value for members, customers, and the business.
Further information
For further information, see our web governance policy