Consistency and Best Practices

• Apply consistent link behavior by keeping internal links (within the uwo.ca domain) in the same tab and opening external links in a new tab.
• Confirm compatibility with major browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge).
• Scan for and fix any broken links.
• Ensure top navigation items all fit on one line.
• Verify all page elements (i.e., banners, hero images, components) follow a clear visual hierarchy that aligns with the user interaction and flow.

Content

• Review all text for clarity, grammar, and accuracy.
• Ensure content aligns with institutional messaging and tone.
• Update footer address with department address, phone/email, and link to contact page.

Functionality

• Test interactive features such as forms, search bar, videos, and other elements present on your site.
• Verify site search is working correctly and returns results specific to the search (uwo.ca or for the specified domain).
• Ensure URL structure is short and concise, using dashes instead of underscores.
• Install and test Google Analytics to ensure correct tracking.
• Implement redirects for any new paths.

Accessibility

• Ensure all images have alt tags (WAVE by WebAIM).
• Test screen reader compatibility.
• Confirm proper heading structure and use of ARIA landmarks (WAVE by WebAIM).
• Ensure all links are valid (W3C Link Checker).
• Validate that links are described correctly, avoiding terms like “click here.”

Learn more about web accessibility standards

Branding

• Confirm all colors, fonts, and styling used are part of the Cascade template without inline styling.
• Verify the page header includes the appropriate Western or unit logo followed by the correct page title.
• Align language across the website to ensure content reflects the University’s tone of voice.
• Link social media icons to the correct official accounts within the department or main University accounts.

Graphics

• Confirm all images are crisp and up-to-date.
• Resize image to appropriate dimensions and optimize file sizes to maintain fast load speeds (Adobe Free Image Resizer).
• Ensure all photos and graphic elements have the author's permission and comply with copyright laws.
• Verify visual consistency in graphics and multimedia elements.
• Limit the use of generic stock images, and opt for original or institution-specific photos where possible.
• Check image cropping on responsive views (mobile and tablet) to ensure images are being cropped correctly with the subject still in view.