Case | University of Gävle
From outdated to award-winning web – how the University of Gävle did it
When the University of Gävle decided to rebuild its website, they wanted to create more than just a new look, they wanted to shape a modern, user-friendly and goal-driven hub for the entire organisation. The result? A website that not only strengthens the brand and facilitates recruitment, but also won the Sitevision Awards 2024.
Background and challenge
When the University of Gävle (HiG) launched its new website in April 2024, they wanted more than just a new design. The old site had looked the same since 2015 and was perceived as outdated and difficult to navigate, even though the content was credible.
The ambition was therefore to modernise the look and feel – without compromising on seriousness.
At the same time, the challenge was to create a website that could contribute to important goals: more students, higher throughput, better recruitment of staff and stronger interaction with the outside world.
Solution
The University of Gävle built the new website in Sitevision, with support from HiQ as a partner throughout the journey. The basis was an impact assessment in which management, researchers, business and students participated. The result was clear goals and principles that guided all decisions.
With Sitevision, they were able to combine simple everyday editing with features such as accessibility checks, GDPR-safe web analytics and support for AI. The platform also allows them to build on it with integrations and new flows going forward.
To make the web easier to use, they also chose to remove noise and design for focus. One example is the top navigation that hides other choices when the user clicks on 'Education' – reducing distractions and making it easier to find the right one.
– We trusted the statistics and prioritised what was actually in demand, says Veronica Liljeroth, webmaster at the University of Gävle.
result
Shortly after its launch, it was recognised at the Sitevision Awards, winning in the category of 'marketing website'. An initial evaluation shows that the website is perceived as more modern, clearer and more self-explanatory, while maintaining its credibility.
Several positive effects can also be seen in the organisation:
- A new image bank with students and employees strengthens the sense of authenticity.
- HR and communications are working more closely together on employer branding.
- Work on accessible documents has become more systematic.
- An editorial policy and clear governance mean that the website can be developed in the long term.
The University of Gävle shares its key lessons from the project
- Start with the impact – start with the users' needs and link to business goals.
- Set the governance early – a clear steering group with a mandate allows timely decisions to be made.
- Design for focus – remove noise and make it easy for the user.
- Work iteratively – build an initial template, start adding and improving in loops.
- Measure before you think – let data guide you instead of gut feelings.
- Communicate the goal over and over again – it creates anchoring and calm in the organisation.
- Celebrate partial victories – it builds pride and energy.
– It's okay not to finish. A web should live. Stick to the plan, measure and adjust when needed, concludes Veronica Liljeroth.