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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to questions you may have as you consider adopting the university's web guidelines and procedures. Click on the question to see the answer.

General Questions

Why should I redesign my site?

Redesigning is necessary to adhere to Web Guidelines and Procedures because previous websites were not designed with standards in mind.

Why adopt standard templates and styles?

Standardization means that users instantly recognize and can use any Virginia Tech website, if they've used one in the past. Standards decrease barrier to entry and usage, which also means users find what they need faster.

Why create consistency among websites?

The many websites that comprise Virginia Tech's Web presence represent extraordinary diversity. We recognize that.  However, a single Virginia Tech Web identity is very important. Perhaps this is best illustrated by the following anecdote:

Imagine you wanted to go to Home Depot™ to purchase some lumber. If they didn't have standards and a consistent brand, you might encounter the following:

• Each store might have a different logo and sign. Some might be orange, some may be blue.  One logo might be an abstract square, another might be their standard typeface. Recognizing the store from the street would be difficult.
• Each physical building would look different. One might have the standard "warehouse" look, another might be multiple floors. In one case, the lumber might be to the right of the cash registers, in another it might be in the basement.
• Employees would have a different dress code. Some might wear ties, others shorts and a T-shirt. Still others might wear green smocks. Knowing who to ask for help would be difficult.

Without a doubt, this would be any marketer's nightmare. You would never know you were in a Home Depot™ store because they are all different!  You would never have any brand loyalty and it would take you twice as long to find the lumber every time because you would need to relearn the store layout whenever you went to a different store in the same brand.

On the Web, this problem is multipled because users are constantly jumping from site to site, or in this analogy, from store to store. Each and every time they need to figure out where they are and how to find what they need. Standards and a consistent identity minimize this effect.

Do I have to use these templates to be in compliance with the university’s Identity Standards?

No; use is not mandatory. However, your website will be in compliance if you choose to use the templates.