Whew! 2024 was something in the history of the Web Developer Network; we just completed the largest project we've ever attempted, and everyone is entitled to a breather after a very demanding year.
We do have some idea of the opportunities and challenges ahead, though, and wanted to share a a little about a few things that will shape our efforts going forward.
First up on the roadmap for UNL.edu is a midyear update to the UNL Web Framework, the brand, design and interaction basis of UNL CMS websites, our suite of public information web applications, and other UNL-branded websites and web apps. This update is expected to be unobtrusive; it should require little to no work on the part of website owners and content editors.
Next, we need to focus with even greater intention on accessibility. The Americans with Disabilities Act was recently revised to include specific language for web accessibility. The Department of Justice has published information indicating that we have until April 2026 to come into full compliance with the WCAG 2.1 Level AA standard for web accessibility.
In UNL CMS, Layout Builder will be an enormous help in this effort, reducing the amount of bespoke HTML in our sites while increasing the amount of known-good code and design supporting our content. Layout Builder development continues, with new component options and design improvements planned throughout the year.
Still, we should expect increasing levels of scrutiny, including possible evaluations from outside of the Web Developer Network, as we move forward.
Thank you again for all of your efforts in the UNL CMS transition project. And again, this year should offer a bit of a break. We expect most of the work around the UNL 6 framework revision and the ADA Title II preparations will be completed within the infrastructure of UNL CMS and the UNL Framework.
For most site developers, the real opportunity that presents itself is the relatively frictionless publishing workflow of the Layout Builder authoring environment. We're seeing indications that site owners are revising websites with greater frequency, resulting in more timely and engaging information for site visitors, along the way honing their sites to be the best ambassadors that they can be for the colleges, departments and units of Nebraska's flagship university.
More details at: https://wdn.unl.edu