A platform for the future, research and diversity
The University of Siegen is one of the strongest research universities in North Rhine-Westphalia with more than 18,000 students and a highly decentralized, faculty-based structure. As part of a comprehensive web relaunch, PROGRESSIVE digital was commissioned with the technical design, implementation and overall coordination of the new platform. The aim was to provide a powerful, accessible and future-proof website that meets both the strategic goals of the university and the real requirements of editorial, administration, research and teaching.
Our role
As the lead agency, PROGRESSIVE digital was responsible for the entire technical architecture, agile project management and user-centered UX design and editorial integration. We coordinated all the trades involved, developed a modular content model and ensured the accessibility and long-term maintainability of the system. Our project team acted as a strategic sparring partner for the university.
In visual brand development and UX research, we worked closely and collegially with our partner agency mc-quadrat (Berlin), who supported the revision of the web design guidelines and moderated stakeholder workshops at certain points. The constellation is an example of how PROGRESSIVE digital combines technical and design expertise with existing partner structures.
Technically implemented with PROGRESSIVE Drupal
The implementation was based on our specially developed PROGRESSIVE Drupal distribution - a tried-and-tested framework for the public sector that provides standardized technical best practices, accessible components, modular content logic and central integrations. Many features of the distribution can be traced back directly to the requirements of the Siegen project:
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Rights-based organizational units:
Mapping of decentralized responsibilities through a granular assignment of roles and rights per organizational unit - tailored to the diverse structure of the university. -
Integration with UNISONO/HISinOne (campus management):
Implementation of dynamic interfaces for the integration of existing content and data from the central university administration system. -
Single sign-on via Shibboleth:
Connection to the university-wide authentication system for seamless and secure user login in the university environment. -
Modular content system:
Development of reusable content types with a clear editorial structure for flexible content maintenance by different departments. -
Taxonomy and target group showcase:
Introduction of a standardized taxonomy for thematic structuring and implementation of so-called "showcase pages" to specifically address individual target groups (prospective students, researchers, etc.). -
Component and layout system:
Use of the Drupal Layout Builder to create modular page structures by editors - a central component for decentralized maintenance while maintaining a uniform appearance. -
Parallel operation with legacy system (XIMS):
Ensuring an uninterrupted transition by temporarily operating in parallel with the previous CMS. -
Consistent assurance of accessibility in accordance with WCAG/BITV - in brand guidelines, design system through to implementation
Complexity & integration
The platform represents one of the largest technical Drupal architectures in the university environment. Particular challenges included
- Migration from XIMS, a proprietary content management system used for 20 years
- Connection to the UNISONO campus management system (HISinOne)
- Shibboleth single sign-on for authentication in the editorial and intranet area
- Fine-grained rights management for institutes, chairs, faculties and staff units
- Parallel system operation to ensure editorial continuity
Accessibility and legal conformity
The site fully complies with the requirements of BITV 2.0 and WCAG 2.1. In addition to automated tests, manual test procedures with assistive technologies were used. All modules are auditable, created according to fixed patterns and editorially validated. Accessibility was ensured for both visitorsand editors.
Cooperation potential for agencies
As a technical lead agency, we fit seamlessly into established agency or university structures. Whether as a technical partner, Drupal specialist or UX architect: we are open to cooperation with agencies that specialize in design, content or brand development and are looking for a reliable implementation partner, such as our project partner mc-quadrat.
Long-term further development
Even after the go-live, we stay on board: with hosting-related support, continuous development, editorial support and security updates. The PROGRESSIVE Drupal distribution forms the common technical basis for all further expansion stages.
Conclusion
The relaunch of the University of Siegen shows how universities can realize a sustainable, barrier-free and strategically connectable web platform with PROGRESSIVE digital as a partner. The combination of distribution, UX strategy and Drupal expertise creates a solid foundation for similar institutions in the public sector.
