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Email

Social Posts

Blog Posts

Website Pages

Decks

Webinar Scripts

Creative Assets (Checklists, Guidelines)

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How do we customize our messaging depending on who we're talking to?

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How do we customize our messaging depending on who we're talking to?

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Melt

Financial Aid

Applications

Deposit

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Here are adjectives that describe the characteristics of our intended tone and voice

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In our increasingly digital society, where technology permeates every aspect of life-from education and employment to personal and social interactions-the call for genuinely accessible web applications has never been more critical. However, many organizations continue to opt for creating separate or alternative versions of their digital content to meet accessibility standards. This approach, although seemingly a quick and more manageable fix, falls short of providing true inclusivity and presents numerous challenges.

The Pitfalls of Parallel Digital Realities

Imagine navigating a city where every essential service-from banks to grocery stores-had a separate but unequal version for different groups of people. Or imagine being part of a book club where you're given a different book from everyone else, simply because the original wasn't accessible to you. This segregation would be unacceptable in the physical world, yet it frequently manifests in the digital space under the guise of accessibility. Creating an alternative version of a website or application often leads to a "digital back door" experience for users with disabilities, where the alternative lacks many of the features and the seamless interface of its counterpart.

This approach not only creates a stigmatizing experience for users with disabilities but also contravenes the core principles of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines advocate for perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust digital content for all users, without segregation.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

From a legal perspective, recent developments, including the Department of Justice's update to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), underscore a shift towards integrated accessibility. This update mandates that state and local governments ensure all digital content meets the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards, reinforcing that web accessibility is not merely a best practice but a legal requirement.

Ethically, providing a single, universally accessible platform is the right thing to do. It respects the dignity of all users and acknowledges their right to participate in the digital age on equal footing with others. Accessibility should not be an afterthought or a box-checking exercise; it should be a fundamental aspect of the design and implementation process.

The Shortcomings of "Accessibility Shelters"

Separate or alternative versions often suffer from issues like delayed updates, reduced functionality, and lack of comprehensive testing. They can quickly become outdated, failing to reflect updates made to the primary site or application. This not only leads to a frustrating user experience but also poses security risks if the updates include critical patches.

Moreover, maintaining two versions of a site or a web application is inefficient. It requires double the resources for development, maintenance, and testing, diverting attention from potential innovations in universal design that could benefit all users.

Limitations of Text Only Versions

Specifically, text-only versions of websites are often assumed to be more accessible simply because they remove many elements like images, complex layouts, and interactive content, which at first might seem like potential barriers to accessibility. However, this assumption doesn't hold up well against the diverse needs of all users, particularly those with disabilities. Here's why text-only versions are not always the most accessible solution:

1. Loss of Context and Information: Visual elements such as images, charts, and graphs often convey essential information that cannot be easily translated into text. Without these, users who rely on visual content for comprehension-like some people with cognitive disabilities-may find the information less accessible.

2. Reduction of Functionality: Interactive elements like maps and tools can be crucial for users. Text-only versions can strip away this functionality, making it harder for users who rely on these features to navigate and use the website effectively. This is especially true for users with motor disabilities who might use specially adapted devices to interact with dynamic content.

3. Lack of Engagement: For users with certain cognitive or learning disabilities, engaging with content that is both text and multimedia can be easier. Text-only content might be less engaging or more difficult to understand, reducing the effectiveness of the communication.

4. Dual Maintenance Issues: Keeping a text-only version of a website alongside a standard version can lead to inconsistencies and additional maintenance challenges. If the text-only version is not updated with the same frequency and care as the main site, it can provide outdated or incorrect information, leading to an unequal experience.

5. Exclusion from a Rich Internet Experience: Offering a text-only site can inadvertently signal that users with disabilities are not expected to engage with the main, richer version of the site. This can be alienating and counter to the principles of inclusivity and equal access.

A Better Path Forward: Inclusive Design

Inclusive design approaches the user experience from the perspective of all potential users, including those with disabilities. It involves:

Universal Usability: Designing for a wide range of user abilities by default. This includes accommodating those who use assistive technologies such as screen readers, or those who rely on keyboard navigation.

Progressive Enhancement: Building content to function with a basic level of user experience, but enhancing functionality and aesthetics for devices with greater capabilities.

User-Centered Design: Engaging users with disabilities in the design and testing processes to ensure that the digital products work for everyone, not just the majority.

Let's be candid. Developing interactive and media-rich web applications with full accessibility is undoubtedly challenging, requiring extensive research, team training, and thoughtful design to balance functionality with accessibility. Concept3D knows this from experience. It demands a significant commitment from vendors like us to consistently integrate accessibility into their core products, involving rigorous testing and continuous updates. Despite these challenges, the pursuit of accessibility is crucial, not only to comply with legal standards but also to ensure ethical practice and expand market reach. The investment in making applications truly accessible, though demanding, is fundamentally the right thing to do and brings invaluable benefits for both us and our clientele.

Truly Accessible Web Applications Matter

Truly accessible web applications are not just a regulatory requirement; they are a cornerstone of ethical business practices and social equality. They reflect an understanding that accessibility benefits everyone, not just people with disabilities. By designing with all users in mind, we can create digital experiences that are not only more inclusive but also more innovative.

As we look to the future, it's clear to us at Concept3D that the path to digital equality lies not in separate solutions but in comprehensive, integrated accessibility that respects and values the diversity of the user community. Institutions that embrace this approach will not only avoid the pitfalls of legal non-compliance but will also lead the way in creating a more inclusive world.

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The Need for Truly Accessible Web Applications, Not Separate Solutions

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Explore why integrated digital accessibility, not separate solutions, is essential for true inclusivity and compliance with legal standards.

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Slidedeck for webinar

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Panel Webinar: Freeze the Melt: How to Uphold Student Interest Through Summer

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Trusted by multiple higher education institutions, including Western Colorado University and NC State University, Localist Events from Concept3D offers a wide range of features. Together, these applications promise seamless functionality for event organizers. With unlimited events, brand customization, and fantastic customer support, this option provides superior options for your school.

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5 Best Event Calendar Tools for Colleges and Universities

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Streamline your event planning process by choosing the best event calendar tools for colleges. Compare the features and options on this list.

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Southern Utah University | Case Study - Concept3D

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Southern Utah University enhanced event management efficiency with Localist Events.

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Undoubtedly smart, can be silly when it makes sense for the audience, but can AND WILL get down to the science/numbers when the audience calls for it as well

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We don't sit on a high horse or criticize, we have humility and can participate in dialogue about any topic

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Does not feel like you are talking to a corporate spokesperson.

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Dean, Provost: High Level Aspirational Messaging

Director: Solution Focused Messaging

Below Dir (in the trenches): Empathetic Messaging w/ actionable tools & tips

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Admissions/Enrollment - urgency, timeliness, results & metrics

Marketing - aspirational, potential, brand, higher funnel target

Student Life - tactical, engagement, "passive"

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IT/Web - care about data, digital accessibility, 

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IT/Web - care about data, digital accessibility, 

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1) Admissions/Applications

2) Enrollment Cycles

3) Commencement

4) Move in/welcome week

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In Hubspot email:

"Concept3D has served the education community for over a decade, bringing campuses to life online with interactive campus maps, event management solutions, and virtual tours that improve campus communications, recruitment, and navigation while engaging current and potential students. We work to make Concept3D products and solutions accessible to the largest possible audience including users of varied abilities."

On website:

"Concept3D solutions marry art and science in highly detailed, interactive 3D renderings that breathe life into the digital world."

On Website For Higher Ed

"Bring your campus to life online"

"We Serve 600+ Higher Ed Clients"

"Concept3D has served the education community for over a decade with our award-winning interactive campus maps, event management solutions, and virtual tours. We work closely with admissions, marketing, and facilities to help recruit prospects and serve students, parents, staff, and alumni."

On Linkedin:

"Bring your world to life virtually."

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Tagline

We empower Higher Ed

We breathe life into the digital world

Every student journey matters to Concept3D.

The trusted digital-first resource [WC - solution?] for Higher Education communities.

Digital-first solutions that champion accessible recruitment across Higher Ed.

More than a map

Short CTAs

Champion accessibility with Concept3D

Grow community on campus with Concept3D

Spark interest. Engage on screen and on campus. Grow community.

One sentence description

Concept3D is the leading accessible solution for immersive, online experiences in Higher Education and beyond

More than a map, Concept3D helps students find their way [WC - discover their niche?].

Longer description

Concept3D empowers Higher Education through immersive, online experiences for prospective and current students. We are the leading accessible solution that keeps students at the heart of our products, ensuring nobody gets left behind. Admissions, marketing and enrollment professionals trust Concept3D to spark student interest, engage on screen and on campus, and grow community from initial inquiry through graduation.

Email Footer

Serving over 700 Higher Ed institutions, Concept3D is trusted by admissions, marketing and enrollment professionals to spark interest amongst prospective students, engage folks in the digital space and on campus, and grow community. Our immersive and accessible solutions deliver a compelling vision for students of all backgrounds by embracing a digital-first, inclusive approach to recruitment.

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Tagline: Bring your campus to life online.

Showcase your campus community virtually.

Create a Sense of Belonging on Campus

CTA: Engage prospective students from the first website visit through graduation and beyond.

By Persona Group

For Marketing

Create an immersive online experience that shows off everything your university has to offer.

For Admissions

Generate more application inquiries while showcasing your university in a way Gen Z wants to see.

For Student Engagement

Increase awareness of the amenities and events that students can take advantage of on campus.

Description:

Enhance campus experiences by providing detailed, accessible, and engaging digital maps, virtual tours, and event management tools. Concept3D's offerings aim to improve communication, navigation, and engagement for students, staff, and visitors.

Boilerplate:

About Concept3D

Concept3D provides the tools necessary to create an elevated, university-branded experience for student events, interactive mapping, virtual tours, and more within one, centralized platform. By enabling administrators to bring their campus to life with visually stunning, immersive online experiences, Concept3D improves campus communications, recruitment, and navigation while engaging current and potential students. With a client roster of more than 700 universities and colleges, including over 70% of the top 100 U.S. universities, Concept3D has been serving the higher education community for over a decade, helping institutions worldwide to captivate their audiences and enhance the campus experience.

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A sentence recently used in a bio for Jill:

Concept3D provides a comprehensive platform that elevates the student journey from the initial search process all the way through graduation with interactive maps, virtual tours, event management and now student matching management solutions.

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Tagline:

Foster a Thriving Student Journey

Excite Students About Their Life on Campus

Unearth Your Campus Story

Showcase Your Campus's Unique Culture

Content that Makes an Impact

"It's easier with Concept3D"

Branded for Marketers, Made for Students

Make each student the hero in their student journey

Short CTAs:

Scale your admissions

More results with less work

1 Sent Description:

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Short Business Description

Concept3D has served the education community for over a decade with our award-winning interactive campus maps, event management solutions, and virtual tours. We work closely with admissions, marketing, and facilities to help recruit prospects and serve students, parents, staff, and alumni.

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Long Business Description

Concept3D provides the ability to create an elevated, university-branded experience for student events, interactive mapping, virtual tours, and more within one, centralized platform. Concept3D empowers administrators to bring their campus to life with visually stunning, immersive online experiences that improve campus communications, recruitment, and navigation while engaging current and potential students. Serving the higher education community for over a decade, Concept3D clients include more than 700 universities and colleges, including over 70% of the top 100 U.S. universities, as well as live events, destinations, and sporting venues.