Designing Web Interfaces for Saudi Universities: a Critical Study

Abstract

The university website has become a particularly essential element as the physical place. At the modern digital revolution, and because of the tremendous development in digital communications, the communication and the interaction between the university and different societies has become a real fact. Due to the lack of research in the design of the main pages of main pages of the websites of the universities in the Arab region, this research focuses on studying the design of the first pages of the websites of Saudi public universities in terms of applying the design elements on them.

This study focuses on the crucial role of electronic website interfaces for Saudi universities in enhancing user experience and their overall appeal and competitiveness. Specifically, it aims to assess these interfaces by analyzing their design elements, particularly the homepage, based on previous research. By evaluating the adherence to design standards and identifying strengths and weaknesses, the research provides recommendations for enhancing the design of these websites.

The research employed a descriptive and analytical survey approach, extensively analyzing and describing the design elements of the first page of electronic websites for Saudi public universities. Key design elements identified as most effective included the search box, headlines, color scheme, font style and size, and email address. It found that these universities are committed to applying these design elements, with the logo, font style and size being the most commonly used, while the verbal logo and email address were less frequently utilized. Furthermore, variations in page length and the presence of a search box were noted as significant factors in distinguishing website design quality. The research suggests prioritizing the development and enhancement of the design of Saudi public universities' electronic websites, particularly their homepage. This involves directing designers' attention towards the most impactful design elements to boost user engagement and improve the universities' capacity to fulfill their societal responsibilities. It aims to enhance their competitiveness both locally and globally, aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia.