Princeton University today launched an improved search function on its primary website, www.princeton.edu.
The new search mechanism delivers results that include images in addition to the headlines, texts and links that the old search mechanism delivered. The new mechanism also gives users the option to sort search results by date, with the most recent material listed first.
Since October, the Office of Communications and the Office of Information Technology have been collecting data and interviewing users in laying the groundwork for redesigning the site, which has had the same basic look since 2008.
"Improving search is one of the major goals of the redesign, based on feedback we've heard from students, faculty, staff and alumni who visit the site," said Daniel Day, assistant vice president for communications. "We're pleased to deliver better search capability now as we continue to work on the redesign we intend to launch in the fall."
The main Princeton site includes news and general information about the University and its administration, campus visitor information and a student-faculty-staff directory. The main site serves as a portal for scores of other University websites.
Communications staff are holding several meetings to solicit feedback and ideas on improving the website. Redesign updates are posted on a blog that includes sections where people can leave comments about the present site and offer suggestions and requests for the new design.
