We’re excited to introduce our new content management system (CMS), Contensis, built to make managing web pages simpler, quicker, and more intuitive. Whether website editors only update content occasionally, or work in the system regularly, our new CMS has been selected with their needs (informed by our requirement gathering exercise) at its core.
Streamlined workflows for faster task completion
One of the core goals of the new CMS is to reduce friction in everyday editing tasks. Our content editors know that even the simplest updates, such as changing a sentence, adding an image, or publishing a news item, can become surprisingly cumbersome if the interface obscures key functions or requires too many steps.
Contensis will introduce a more linear editing journey, clearer visual cues, and easy access controls that keep essential tools in easy reach. Editors will no longer have to navigate convoluted menus or rely on guesswork to find what they need. Common tasks can be completed more quickly, with less cognitive load, and with far fewer opportunities for error. These improvements translate directly into increased productivity for individuals and teams.
Greater editorial autonomy, reduced pressure on central teams
A familiar bottleneck across the University is the dependence on the central web team for minor content changes. While central oversight remains essential for governance and quality assurance, Contensis will be implemented to empower our editors to complete routine updates without needing specialist intervention.
To support this autonomy, we will be introducing:
- More structured content components, removing the need for ad hoc formatting
- Clearer templates that maintain consistency while giving editors flexibility
- Contextual help and inline guidance, simplifying decision making
- Safeguards that prevent accidental changes to critical layout or navigation elements
These additions mean editors can work more confidently, while central teams can redirect their time toward higher value strategic and technical work. The relationship becomes more collaborative and less dependent.
Designed around the needs of infrequent users
Across the University, one of the most persistent usability challenges is supporting contributors who only log in a few times a year. For these users, traditional CMS designs, often built with regular users in mind, can quickly become overwhelming. Even minor updates can feel daunting if processes must be relearned each time.
The new CMS will address this by prioritising simplicity and predictability:
- Interfaces will use plain language and minimal jargon, reducing the learning curve
- Tasks will follow logical, repeatable patterns that don’t rely on memory
- Visual feedback will make it clear when content is saved, previewed, or published
- Non-destructive editing tools will reduce the fear of “breaking” a page
- Optional guidance will appear only when needed, avoiding interface clutter
The goal isn’t to train every editor into becoming a web specialist, it’s to give infrequent users a sense of control and confidence, even after long breaks between sessions.
A CMS built for real-world, distributed editing environments
Ultimately, this project is about improving the experience of everyone who contributes to our digital ecosystem, whether they’re part of the central web team, a school-based editor, a student recruitment marketer, or an academic colleague updating pages related to their teaching or research.
The new CMS will support:
- Faster, more intuitive workflows
- More confident and autonomous editors
- Reduced support needs and fewer bottlenecks
- A more consistent and accessible website for all audiences
We’re excited about what this means for our community. A website is strongest when those closest to its content can manage it easily, and this development moves us significantly closer to that ideal. We look forward to collaborating with our colleagues in shaping our new website.
