Our company specializes in customizable static websites, but our current website template offering is not very large. We aim to on-board students to help us develop industry-specific website templates and deploy them to attract more customers.

We want to create a few website prototypes (maquettes) for various industries, including but not limited to Hospital departments, DJ/Photography services, University technical groups, Industrial companies and Government entities, utilizing the open-source website generator tool: Hugo (https://gohugo.io/).

If the student is more on the development side, we can reduce the more in-dept design portion.

This will involve several different steps for the students, including:

• Research Hugo's open-source framework features, limitations, and existing templates.
• Conduct a needs analysis to determine which existing template to leverage based on underlying technologies, features and industry needs.
• Create templates for different industries and get feedback to enhance them using Hugo development tools.
• Deploy the templates on the web using CloudFlare and GitHub for general availability
• Create documentation on how to easily update those websites for future clients within GitHub with the help of CloudFlare

Optional bonus steps:

• Craft Figma concept designs before implementation
• Fix our main website
• Create new logos and colour scheme
• Provide training on website updates and maintenance.
• Create documentation for less technical users seeking autonomy in editing template content.
• Test prototypes with customers and refine ideas based on feedback.
• Implement a website from a created template with a real-life client, supported by our team.

To achieve the project goal, students are expected to complete the following tasks and deliverables:

Main Deliverables:

Industry-Specific Website Prototypes :

• Multiple Hugo-based websites available on the web.
• Short documentation on why each template was used for which industry

Training Documentation:

• A comprehensive guide for non-technical users on updating and maintaining the website
• Step-by-step instructions and screenshots

Redesigned Main Website:

• A fully functional, responsive, and user-centred website using Hugo
• Implemented design changes and new features

Optional Deliverables:

For Design students

• 5-6 Figma prototypes for different industries (Hospital departments, DJ/Photography, University technical groups, Industrial companies, Auto parts companies)
• Design documentation and rationale for each prototype

Research Report:

• Analysis of existing website templates and Hugo features
• Recommendations for design improvements and industry-specific templates

Design Concept Presentations:

• Pitch-style presentations for each industry-specific prototype
• Rationale and design decisions explained

Testing and Feedback Report:

• Summary of testing results with customers and stakeholders
• Incorporation of feedback and design refinements

Final Submission:

• A zip file containing all deliverables
• A brief project reflection report (1 page max) highlighting challenges, successes, and lessons learned
• Some feedback on how we can make this type of project better for students in the future!