CIT.NIH.GOV Has a New Look and Totally New Feel…

The Center for Information Technology (CIT) debuted its new Web site on July 20, 2007. CIT's first Web site was deployed in 1998 and subsequently won a WebBusiness 50/50 Award in 1999. However, over time the site became outdated. Created with its customers in mind, the new CIT Web site has a fresh look and feel that offers a streamlined access point to information for all of the divisions within CIT.

CIT Web site goals

After surveying its customers CIT determined that the new Web site should:

•	be customer focused;
•	require 3 or less clicks to access desired information;
•	adhere to new Federal guidelines;
•	have intuitive navigation; and
•	have a consistent look and feel.

Design process

CIT used Microsoft's Content Management System (CMS) to create and manage the new Web site. An iterative design process was adopted to allow CIT to add functionality and features. Two additional phases are planned for the upcoming year which will incorporate information on standalone servers and applications.

The design team included Webmasters from each division within CIT who worked together to build, launch, and promote the new Web site. CMS allows each division to maintain their individual content while ensuring the look and feel remains consistent.

The design team evaluated peer Web sites, choosing the top five that met its design goals, and used them as yardsticks for evaluating CIT’s new design. These Web sites included http://clinicalcenter.nih.gov, http://www.nidcr.nih.gov, http://www.cancer.gov, http://www.firstgov.gov, and http://www.ed.gov.

After the design team members migrated content to the new Web site design, usability testing was performed by customers from eight ICs. The Web site was then presented to, and approved by, the CIT management and the IT Management Committee (ITMC).

Please feel free to visit the new site at http://cit.nih.gov. Comments and suggestions are always welcome. Contact Susan Chaffee at 301-594-9501 or email the CIT Communications Office.