Protean: The Graduate Liberal Studies Magazine at Duke University (Prototype)

Abstract

This analytical essay describes the creation of a prototype online magazine, titled Protean, for a Graduate Liberal Studies (GLS) program like the one at Duke University. Industry level production standards were implemented in the creation of Protean’s beta or prototype website. The primary steps included: discovery, development, design, and implementation. These four steps were divided into two separate phases. Phase one began with discovery; this involved establishing a target audience for the magazine and developing a needs assessment survey that queried the needs of the target audience. This survey served to help make decisions regarding content and design choices for the magazine. Phase two encompassed the development, design, and implementation steps that incorporated the data gathered from: the needs assessment survey, secondary research on best web design practices, and feedback solicited from the client during a formal product pitch meeting. For this project, the GLS program at Duke University represents the client entity. The culmination of these two phases resulted in: extensive preliminary work, detailed in this essay, a beta website of the prototype magazine, plans for a student and alumni-based editorial board, and a sustainability plan for this publication.