What is Sue Wendlandt actually doing?

In our ‘What are you actually doing…?’ section, members of the university community talk about their work.

How did you come to study at the HfK, and how long have you been working as a project manager?

In October 2010, I started my Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Design at the HfK and moved to Bremen for that reason. I’d originally done an apprenticeship in print media, but I quickly realised that, creatively speaking, that wasn’t enough for me in the long run. The interdisciplinary nature and the wide range of courses on offer at the university fascinated me at the time and gave me the push I needed to take up a degree. Studying at the HfK taught me to think more freely and that I don’t have to do everything on my own or be able to do everything for a project.
After my Bachelor’s, I went on to do a Master’s, also at the HfK, although by that time I was already working as a freelance designer in the fields of exhibitions and graphic design. In this role, I was called upon to act as a project manager when it came to the communication and organisation of exhibitions. Since April 2019, I have been responsible for project management for the website relaunch. Knowing how to put ideas into practice and where to seek support, as well as being familiar with the HfK’s structures, is of course a great advantage in this role.

How complex is the website relaunch project? 
Why has the old website become outdated, and what must a new website be able to do?
There has been a desire for a new HfK website for some time now. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become clear that our website no longer meets current standards and lacks important features. First and foremost, the new website must meet the diverse needs of its users – from explaining the complex structures of the HfK with its interdisciplinary approaches to booking an event. It must reflect and do justice to the incredibly creative and extraordinary potential, the numerous large and small projects at our university, and the people themselves – thereby ensuring we remain competitive both nationally and internationally.

What specific improvements will the new website feature?
A key component of the revamp is the events calendar – a vital tool for the numerous events held at the HfK across both departments. Linking and integration across different page types, along with a modern approach to media, are just as much a focus as the back-end system for editorial staff to manage content.
The new website must integrate relevant information more effectively and quickly, and make feedback – which we receive due to the large number of lecturers, projects and degree programmes – visible more swiftly. Overall, the website should demonstrate the freedom students have to pursue interdisciplinary studies whilst at the HfK. The freedom, flexibility and interconnection of the individual departments should also be reflected on the website.

What checks are required for this? What is the general procedure?
Who is involved?
In the run-up to the project, a steering group comprising lecturers, staff and students examined the needs and wishes of the university community regarding a new website. Based on best-practice examples and interviews, a document was then drawn up which serves as the basis for the website relaunch. 
When I started the role, I first took an in-depth look at the old website to gain an overview of its activities. I also consulted with the various academic departments to find out what was needed, but also what was already in place and working well. Whilst this work takes time, it is important for understanding the various needs. Furthermore, in the public sector, certain procurements may only be carried out via an official tender process.
The official tender process consists of two phases. The first phase is the application for participation. Any interested agency can apply by submitting the required forms and information. In the second phase, a number of agencies are then invited to take part in the tendering process, which culminates in a pitch. The pitch is particularly important: this is where all those involved can get to know one another. The agency’s working methods, organisational structure and initial ideas for the website become apparent. Of course, I do not decide alone which agency will ultimately build the new website for us – a committee comprising representatives from the various departments of the HfK will decide this collectively. Once we have chosen an agency, the implementation can begin.

You studied Integrated Design at the HfK; amongst other things, you look after the HfK’s old website and social media channels, and you played a leading role in overseeing the transitional website. What do you find particularly appealing about your work?
During my studies and in my work as a designer, my focus has been on design in the physical world: exhibitions, print products and, above all, materials. During my time in Department 1, I’ve really enjoyed working on the website and managing social media. Over the past few months, we’ve built up a good momentum as a team on our social media channels, and the number of followers is growing. It’s naturally lovely to see how a good team comes into its own. I’m able to contribute my own strengths effectively and benefit from those of others.
In day-to-day operations, I’m often approached by members of the HfK with enquiries regarding issues with the website. I really enjoy getting to grips with these issues and figuring out how to resolve them. Through this work, I’ve realised how important a good back-end is so that the editors can work easily and quickly; ultimately, it benefits the end result. Nothing is more frustrating than having to work with a complicated and cumbersome website.

As someone outside the IT sector, you’re faced with lots of unfamiliar terms. What are the most baffling ones, and what do they mean?
For me, there were more than just two baffling terms to begin with. When public procurement law and web development collide, it can be quite a mouthful. The Sub-Threshold Regulation, confidentiality agreements, service specifications, accessibility and ‘exhaustive description’ are just a few examples. To me, it’s like a different language. I’ve found that, whilst you can learn a great deal through your own research and the right contacts, this certainly can’t make up for specialist knowledge. That’s why it’s important to find the right people to talk to and get the help you need. Actually, once the tender is finished, I should write a handbook entitled: ‘How to Draw Up Tenders in the Public Sector – for Dummies’. And of course, I’ll make sure it looks absolutely brilliant.