The central university platform
Technical concept and TYPO3 development for Mittweida University of Applied Sciences
Numerous academic departments, scattered data sources and web offerings that have evolved over the years: in collaboration with Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, we have created a central TYPO3 platform that links websites, digital services and the intranet – accessible, easy to manage and ready for further development.
The website had grown over the years: content and projects were scattered across various sections and subdomains, and systems were only partially integrated. We analysed data sources and editorial workflows, created interfaces and further developed the existing designs for practical use – as the basis for a central TYPO3 platform.
“Our website relaunch went far beyond a new design: we completely rethought and rebuilt the structure and content from scratch. In doing so, we benefited not only from the team’s technical expertise: Netresearch understood our requirements, worked with us to develop them further and always sought sensible solutions to complex challenges. Even when our requirements changed at short notice, Netresearch responded promptly and swiftly, communicating transparently and on an equal footing. For a project of this scale, Netresearch was exactly the right partner.”
Concept and design as the foundation
Many requirements only became clear during the collaborative process. We analysed data sources and flows, developed role and editorial concepts, and defined which information would come from which system in future.
The corporate design and basic page layout were developed by a design agency. Our task was to translate these designs into a functional web concept: we adapted the designs to real-world content, data structures, responsive display and accessibility, and redesigned any missing views and components. The result was a consistent system for the main website, departmental sites and microsites, based on the design specifications.
Degree Programme Finder
All degree programmes are managed in a structured manner and can be filtered according to relevant criteria. Centralised data ensures that information is presented consistently and that suitable degree programmes can be linked together.
Studi-Kompass
An interactive matching tool helps prospective students find their way. Personal preferences are matched against degree programmes and presented as a personalised ranking.
AI translation with DeepL
German and English-language content can be automatically translated directly from TYPO3 using DeepL. This integrates AI where it actually saves work in day-to-day operations – directly into the editorial process.
Enterprise Search
Apache Solr searches not only web pages, but also degree programmes, contact details, news, events, FAQs, job vacancies and documents. Filters help you find the right result quickly.
Intranet
Personalised home pages and content ensure that different user groups and departments receive the information relevant to them straight away. User and organisational data are automatically imported from the university’s existing systems, and users log in via single sign-on.
Wiki
An integrated wiki provides a central hub for internal knowledge. Content, files and access rights remain within the same TYPO3 platform and draw on the existing user structures.
Centrally manage multiple websites
Microsites and other domains run on the same TYPO3 platform as the university’s main website. Shared components and functions reduce maintenance efforts, whilst departments and projects retain sufficient freedom to create their own websites.
