The University of Tampa wanted to ditch its clunky, inflexible CMS and upgrade to a platform that made updating content a breeze. Along the way, the University’s web team determined they needed a fresh design —one that could take the polished brand and give it some digital sparkle while showing off the gorgeous campus.
Project Highlights
- The new site captures UTampa’s vibe through bold design and immersive digital storytelling.
- A streamlined, user-friendly experience makes it easier than ever for students, faculty, and staff to find information and stay connected.
- Redesigned program finder makes exploring majors effortless, highlighting career outcomes, faculty insights, and standout opportunities.
- Inspired by the look and feel of the UTampa campus, the site weaves in visuals and student stories to create an authentic, engaging experience.
Around 40% of UTampa students don’t visit campus until move-in day. So, we designed a website that brings the UTampa campus vibe straight to their screens. By blending elements from physical spaces and print materials, we created a bold new digital identity that gives users the info they need at a glance and tempts them to dive deeper into the full campus experience online.
Launched in 2024, the new website is more than just a fresh look, it’s a game-changer for how the campus community connects and communicates. The revamped site simplifies the way students, faculty and staff share information and collaborate, with centralized tools and updated content making their work more efficient. Beyond function, the site reflects the University of Tampa’s forward-thinking spirit, showcasing the university’s vibrant community to prospective students, alumni and visitors. It’s not just a website, it’s a hub that brings the UTampa community closer together and helps them thrive.
Bringing the Campus to Life on Screen
Our research uncovered a key insight: for the University of Tampa, getting prospective students to visit campus is often the tipping point for enrollment. With this in mind, we designed the website to serve as a virtual gateway to campus life, anchored by a dynamic "Virtual Tours" page. This hub offers an authentic glimpse into student life through virtual tour videos, social media highlights, and photo galleries, giving users a true sense of what it’s like to be part of the UTampa community.
Helping Students Find Their Path
One of the first questions every prospective student asks on their college journey is, “What can I major in?” To make answering this question as seamless and engaging as possible, we prioritized redesigning the University’s program finder and program pages.
Our goal was to create an experience that not only made it easy for students to explore their academic options but also showcased the unique opportunities each program offers. We reimagined the design to be more visually dynamic, incorporating vibrant imagery, intuitive navigation and clear pathways to detailed program information. By highlighting key features like career outcomes, faculty expertise and standout student experiences, we transformed the program finder into an inspiring, user-friendly tool that empowers students to envision their future at the University of Tampa.
Key Details at-a-Glance
When we talked to students about their college search, they told us they often have multiple tabs open for all the schools they’re considering. They wanted a skimmable experience where they could instantly grasp the most important information. With this insight, we set out to design an experience that delivers key details upfront in a way that’s both impactful and easy to digest.
We crafted a homepage that puts the University’s differentiators and standout statistics front and center (think: academic excellence, vibrant campus life and career success rates) all presented in visually striking, bite-sized sections. To add depth and personality, we wove in compelling narratives from UTampa students, showcasing their journeys, achievements and unique perspectives. This blend of data and storytelling creates a homepage experience that grabs attention, builds trust and invites prospective students to explore further.
Blending Brand with Story
To bring the University’s print brand to life on the web, we looked to the campus itself for inspiration, infusing the website with visual elements that reflect the character and charm of the physical space. One standout feature is the skyline illustration in the footer, a nod to the University’s iconic surroundings and a subtle way to ground the digital experience in its unique location.
We also incorporated design elements like the starburst pattern, adding texture and a sense of place to the site’s visuals. These thoughtful details not only helped bridge the gap between print and digital but also created a cohesive brand experience that feels unmistakably "University of Tampa," whether you’re holding a brochure or browsing the website. By drawing from the physical campus, we ensured the digital space feels authentic, inviting and unmistakably tied to the University’s identity.
