California State University, Los Angeles: Inside Look
In conjunction with an overall Web site redesign for California State University, Los Angeles, Citrus Studios developed "Inside Look," a university virtual tour. Citrus proposed "Inside Look" as an innovative alternative to the typical facilities-centered online campus tour, and selected student guides from the university's six colleges to represent diversity in interests and campus experiences, as well as race, age, and gender. The result is an engaging and intimate look at the academic and social lives of current Cal State L.A. students.Citrus oversaw the creation of "Inside Look" from start to finish. In addition to providing video production and editing services, Citrus selected suitable interview locations; inscribed the interviews for hearing impaired visitors; selected still photography images for incorporation; created wireframes depicting the user interface and accompanying navigation; integrated all of the resulting content; and developed and tested the final result. During the student interview process, Citrus strategically elicited experiences and anecdotes that conveyed the dynamism and diversity of the university. Bringing "Inside Look" to life was a complex project that proved highly rewarding.
Citrus designed and built "Inside Look" in both Flash and HTML versions to ensure accessibility to the widest possible audience. In addition, Citrus ensured that "Inside Look" was ADA-compliant. Challenges were encountered in integrating large amounts of content in various formats, and intuitively arranging that content for easy accessibility.
"Inside Look" is as engaging as it is informative. It offers personal perspectives, far transcending the dry facts typically highlighted in traditional virtual campus tours. "Inside Look" focuses on and addresses the needs of prospective students: their questions, concerns, fears, and aspirations. It is a compelling—and invaluable—addition to the Cal State L.A. Web site.
www.calstatela.edu/univ/ppa/publicat/insidelook