FAQ: Website Relaunch

The website has been revamped in line with the corporate identity and made more user-friendly. The basic framework of the design has already been established and is based on a clear, intuitive layout with straightforward navigation. Our aim is to present the content in a contemporary and appealing way, whilst optimising the user experience.

Yes, it will. We are implementing the latest accessibility standards. Both technically and in terms of design, we ensure that everything is accessible to people with disabilities. This includes, amongst other things, support for screen readers and the option to adjust font sizes.

Content accessibility remains the responsibility of the editors.

For additional support, we recommend taking a look at the features of the ‘Eye-Able’ system.

In future, the ‘Teaching’ section will be moved under ‘Study’ and will be available there by department and subject.

Student assistants can help with content migration in the areas of research and teaching. Each department should ensure that, in addition to student assistants, permanent staff also take part in the training sessions and sprints.

To upload an image, open an existing page in the backend and click on ‘Create new content’. Then select the ‘Images only’ option.

• In the navigation bar, switch from the “General” tab to the “Images” tab
• Upload the desired image.
• In the “Appearance” tab, you’ll find further settings to customise the image.

A separate form must be completed for each page that is to appear on the new website and will have its own title.

• Merging multiple pages: If several existing pages are to be combined into a single new page, please enter all relevant old links on a single form.
• Creating subpages: Each additional subpage requires its own form. Please note in the comments field that it is a subpage.

The font has been taken from the corporate design guidelines, which have been in force since 2022. It is the same font that was previously used on the website.

The content can be translated into easy-to-read language using the Eye-Able plug-in.

We ensure accessibility using the Eye-Able plug-in.

The training session will take up to three hours. One of the topics covered is migrating the initial elements of your new website.

Yes, we will be offering various sprint sessions during the lecture-free period.

If you are unable to attend any of the sessions listed, please get in touch with us.

Registration is now open. To ensure everything runs smoothly, you must register before your sprint begins. The sooner you register, the better!

A joint registration offers the advantage that you can work on your pages efficiently and in a coordinated manner. Direct communication within the group makes it quick and easy to reach agreements.

The 14-day sprint phase offers you targeted training, support and feedback. In addition, you can continue working on your pages independently – right up until the planned launch of the website in the third quarter of 2025. Make the most of these two weeks to get as much of your content ready as possible, as the web relaunch team will be prioritising support for registered participants during this time.

Once you have finalised your pages, please inform the web relaunch team so that Examination and approval can take place.

Yes, an automated translation plugin will be available. It enables the automatic translation of content, with individual English terms able to be adjusted manually if required.

Unfortunately, this feature is not available on the current website. The new website will offer a tracking feature that will allow page views to be recorded and analysed in future.

Any text that you wish to continue using can be carried over. It is not possible to transfer existing TYPO3 content elements directly from the old website to the new one.

The website relaunch team will draw up a proposal based on the existing structure and the website’s new technical capabilities. Specific requests and requirements can be taken into account in this process.

We plan to launch the new website in the third quarter of 2025.

In principle, simultaneous editing is possible. In TYPO3, you can see whether a page is currently being edited by someone else. Changes cannot be saved at the same time, so coordination with other editors is required.

The main pages have already been identified and scheduled. By actively involving all editors, we are ensuring that all relevant content is taken into account. In addition, there will be a test run to check that all migrated pages are complete. If you notice any missing pages or content, you can report them at any time using an online form.

You can edit and update the pages you manage yourself at any time. Please follow the style guide to ensure that the content is consistent and visually appealing.

You can already start creating pages for your conference. However, these will not be accessible to the public until the third quarter of 2025.

Yes.

The recommended image resolution depends on the page layout. If you have any questions or are unsure about anything, we are happy to offer you personalised support.

To avoid affecting the website’s performance, videos should not be uploaded directly to the web server. Instead, you can embed links to platforms such as VIMP or YouTube directly into your content.

That is possible. Please feel free to ask us about it during the training session.

Yes, all design templates are stored in the corporate design.

The display may vary slightly depending on the device, operating system, resolution and individual settings. To ensure a clear structure and optimal readability, the layout has deliberately not been designed to span the full width of the screen.

A central directory will provide all relevant contact details. University staff can decide for themselves, in consultation with their Department, which information is visible on their profile. All staff members are listed in the directory on the extranet.

The website relaunch aims to improve user-friendliness, introduce a modern design and optimise loading times. 

The current website is outdated, often confusing and cluttered, which many users find frustrating. Our aim is to provide a clearly structured, attractive and functional website that makes it easier for students and prospective students in particular to access relevant information.

The relaunch aims to optimise the user experience, improve accessibility and modernise the website’s technical infrastructure. It also aims to ensure that the site functions smoothly across all devices. Through this redesign, we aim to strengthen communication and interaction with students and staff, and to present our university’s public image in a contemporary way.

The relaunch is being designed in a participatory manner: even the drafting of the specifications for selecting a web agency took place in close consultation with committed students and members of the university.

There will also be plenty of opportunities to get actively involved in the design process as it progresses.

Coordination is being handled by a project manager, supported by a steering group. This group comprises members of the Rectorate, the Press and Communications Department, the IT Centre, an external expert and the Chair of the Student Parliament. From July 2025, a web agency will also be involved.

The migration of content to the new structure will be carried out by the respective editors in consultation with their departments, with the project management team providing support.

From July 2025, when the collaboration with the web agency begins, the relaunch process is expected to take between six and twelve months. This period will cover planning, development, content migration, testing and implementation.

The exact duration will depend on the progress of the project. Ideally, the first new pages should go live in the third quarter of 2025.

The first new pages are scheduled to go live at the start of the 2025 Winter semester, particularly the main pages aimed at prospective students. A specific date will be announced as soon as the development and testing phases have been completed.

The range of features will evolve as the agile project progresses. The new website is intended to impress with, for example, an optimised search function, a redesigned navigation system and a design adapted for mobile devices. In addition, interactive elements and various tools are planned to support students and staff. To improve internal communication, plans include directories of people and projects. Furthermore, an updated TYPO3 content management system will be introduced to facilitate content maintenance.

In parallel, a related project involves the development of a modern event management system with extensive functions.

You can find an overview of the new features and possibilities in our style guide.

We use the latest version of the powerful TYPO3 CMS, which serves as a solid foundation. The website is hosted on a robust and secure server, and we further optimise its functionality through the use of various extensions and tools.

The website is designed to be fully responsive, meaning it automatically adapts to different screen sizes and device types. The layout is specifically optimised for use on smartphones and tablets, ensuring a consistent and user-friendly experience across all devices.

A trial phase has been underway since October, during which students and university staff can register to explore the new features. This gives them the opportunity to provide feedback on various aspects, such as navigation, design and wording.

Yes. The website design is being revamped to make it more modern and user-friendly. We are aiming for a clear and intuitive layout with improved navigation that blends seamlessly with our current corporate design. The aim is to optimise the user experience and present the content in a contemporary and appealing way.

Yes, navigation will be simplified and made clearer. Important information and frequently visited pages will be easier to access. The new menu design is intended to make it easier to find your way around the website. In addition, the menu structures will be provided as so-called ‘white labels’, which can be used in a standardised way.

Yes, the navigation will be simplified and made clearer. Important information and frequently visited pages will be easier to access. The new menu design is intended to make it easier to find your way around the website. In addition, the menu structures will be provided as so-called ‘white labels’, which can be used in a standardised way.

The main navigation is organised around the five new main sections (landing pages):

• Campus
• Study
• Research
• Transfer
• University

Subpages can be found via the burger menu, whilst the rest of the navigation is controlled via the landing pages.

Whitelabels allow you to create your own web pages in the design of the new website. They include specific menu navigation guidelines and can be used, for example, to design a department page or a research project with customised landing pages (main menu items).

Whitelabels allow you to create your own web pages in the design of the new website. They follow specific guidelines for menu navigation, but offer sufficient flexibility to design, for example, research projects or department pages with customised landing pages and main menu items.

Yes, the new website is being developed in accordance with the latest accessibility standards. We are ensuring, both technically and in terms of design, that all content is accessible to users with disabilities. This includes, amongst other things, support for screen readers and the option to adjust the font size.

It will remain the responsibility of the editors to ensure the accessibility of the content.

Starting now. Sign up for the sprint dates here.

We recommend that you check your existing content for duplicates and delete them yourself if necessary before the migration phase begins. This will save you time during the integration into the new website. If you have already created an overview, you can start filling in the online forms. You can find further information on the process here.

As part of a participatory process, we will first establish consistent criteria to guide the development of the new website. The existing content will then be reviewed against these standards, updated and incorporated into the new structure. In doing so, relevant and up-to-date information will be adapted and integrated, whilst outdated or duplicate content will be removed.

The transition will begin in July 2025 and will be carefully planned in close collaboration with our web agency to prevent data loss and provide you with comprehensive support.

Unfortunately, this is only possible to a very limited extent, as the website will be presented in a completely new tree structure. A simple export and import of the content will therefore not work. In addition, we are introducing new, standardised design guidelines, which require all content to be reviewed and adapted to ensure a consistent and professional look and feel.

Yes, new content is also being introduced, primarily to provide more targeted information to a younger audience and to support them in their search for a place at university. This includes expanded information sections, updated visual materials and interactive elements.

A comprehensive migration plan ensures that all essential information is included. The content is checked to ensure it is up to date and relevant. This plan will be drawn up in July/August 2025 in collaboration with the steering group, the Vice-Chancellor’s Office and our web agency.

The data migration takes place in several stages. You can find the exact procedure here.

Yes, we offer training sessions and workshops for students and staff to familiarise them with the new website and the content management system. We also provide online tutorials and manuals to ensure that all editors can work efficiently with the new platform.

Register for training

Overview of all elements

Users can submit their feedback via a dedicated online form or by email. We value your feedback highly and use it to continuously improve the website. All feedback is thoroughly reviewed and addressed.

The new website is intended for everyone associated with our university. We would therefore be delighted if you could play an active part in the development process.

We would like to thank all students and staff who have already taken part in surveys, workshops and interviews as part of the requirements analysis. This process yielded more than 300 requirements, which have been incorporated into the specifications.

We would very much like you to continue to get involved in the future. From summer 2025, there will be further opportunities to get involved.

Updates on the progress of the relaunch will be posted on our website, in our regular newsletters and via our social media channels. Key milestones and changes will be communicated promptly and transparently. You can also contact the project management team at any time by email or phone to request further information.

No. Once the new website has been fully migrated and approved, the old site will be deactivated and the new site will go live. The old pages will then no longer be available, so there will be no opportunity to back up any data. You will be informed of the planned timeline in good time.