Brandeis' new and, according to many, improved Web site debuted on Dec. 17.Senior Vice President of Communications Lorna Whalen said that the initial decision to redesign the site was made in response to a vast number of unsolicited requests for such a project received since coming to Brandeis just over a year ago.

Whalen described the prior home page's lifespan of four years as "a long time in today's world."

According to Whalen, the bulk of the complaints she received about the old Web site were targeted at difficulties in page navigation and trouble searching for information.

"We found repeatedly that the old design could not accommodate multiple news stories in a way that was dramatic or easy to navigate," Whalen said.

The new Web site was designed at Brandeis and is the culmination of 10 months of comparative research, discussion and design revisions. The concepts and specific graphics were considered by a committee of students and professors.

In an e-mail to the University sent on Dec. 17, Whalen explained the redesign process.

"The group studied the latest trends and patterns in website design and met almost every week for several months to discuss their findings," the e-mail read.

Whalen said that the contributions of Dave Wisniewski and Zack Shaw from the Office of Communications as well as Danny Silverman '06 were especially important in the implementation of the redesign.

Whalen said it was important for the new Web site to be able to highlight the achievements of alumni and to attract prospective students.

"When Brandeis grad Rod MacKinnon received the Nobel Prize, we wanted to shout it from the rooftops on the home page, but the old design would not allow it," Whalen said.

Whalen said that the activities page is designed to give visitors more information on what is happening at Brandeis during any given week.

An online forum for comments on the site's redesign, available at my.brandeis.edu, was launched the same day as the Web page.

According to Whalen, this forum has generated a great deal of feedback and constructive criticism.

Some students, though, aren't happy with the redesign.

"The problem is that the site is way too functional." Alexander Toplansky '07 said. "There is no attempt to capitalize on Brandeis' aesthetic potential, like the castle and the view from Rabb steps...our sense of community."

Other students are bothered by basic aesthetic elements, like the color scheme.

Barri Yanowitz '06 said there is an "80s feel to the startling disjointed styles used throughout the page...none of which are really pleasing, slick, or easy to use."

But Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs and First Year Services Michele Rosenthal said the Web site is aesthetically much more pleasing and will be developed with further community input.

"I see the new page as a wonderful beginning-easier to navigate, more accessible, and no more black or dark home page.