I am browsing websites and analyzing why I like one more than some others – and how that website might relate to TSU. Having worked in a large museum I find museum websites interesting, especially art museums (given my “occupation”).

This major art museum’s website caught my attention and felt “comfortable” (whatever that means) as I tried to compare/connect it to what our TSU’s website might do.

AN ATTEMPT TO EXPLAIN

My rationale of what TSU could derive from the National Gallery website and how it might be translated on our future website:

• A critical part of TSU will be a “public service” component TSU could/ should provide – parallel with its “commercial” aspects (which should provide sustainability).
• IMO TSU must never excessively/exclusively focus a majority of attention on its “commercial efforts”. Of course retail must & should have a large presence on this site, as it provides the necessary financial sustainability. (This will continuously create a challenging balance between our enterprise”and our altruism and always something to carefully consider – TBD).
• Therefore, parallel with TSU’s merchandising efforts – as much as possible without becoming nonsensical – our TSU “experience” should be presented in a helpful, obviously fun & somewhat tongue-in-cheek manner that delivers our visitor/potential customer a number of potential “added value” benefits.
• The visitor could/should see an opportunity to participate in an entertaining “Mythical, Free & Open University Of The MInd”, located in our legendary, historically-significant, cultural & amenity-rich locale and to actually or vicariously (through TSU) participate in those benefits.
• The “University” designation/title creates a level of both gravitas and status in the mind of the public due to the number of universities’ with historical connection to advanced education and research. TSU obviously capitalizes on this public perception to attract customers as “Students” seeking a “Higher Degree” of STATUS via a connection to both the Taos locale and a “Mythical University” based on Taos’ heritage/reputation. This “TSU STATUS” is a core tenet of the TSU Brand.
• The TSU website should be constructed – and able to constantly flex – in order to describe/deliver these benefits & status to a TSU “Student Body” (locals/2nd-homers/tourists) – in frictionless, coordinated conjunction with our TSU merchandising.
• I see various & multiple “attributes/assets” of Taos/Taos County as a menu/foundation for creating and then delivering “physical” benefits. A few examples:
  • Wheeler Peak
  • Skiing (Is Taos Ski Valley trademarked? Can/should we mention it in our advertising without repercussion?)
  • Rio Grande River
  • Rio Grande Gorge
  • Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
  • BLM lands
  • National Forest lands
  • Tiwa History
  • Spanish History
  • Anglo History
  • Taos Founders History
  • Hippie History
  • Taos Arts & Culture of all Stripes
  • Etc.
• We must leverage these attributes in the best way so that TSU is perceived as a positive and  beneficial to our community.

REGARDING THE N-G WEBSITE
IMO the National Gallery provides the US citizen with incredible access to its important collection as well as information/education about the art there AND a number of other benefits – some of which parallel Taos Lifestyle’s offerings. These parallels could be presented as adjunct to The TSU Experience.

I’ll run through the links on their landing page that I found helpful.

(First: I think their logo on their landing page needs a lot more impact!)

VISIT:

TSU’s Location & Parking mentioned/presented in an important visual

Taos’ systems of travel mentioned = hopefully with visuals

Dogs/rules (a simple plus for those with dogs, even if they do not bring them to the Student Union

A map of the property (read: CAMPUS) & the store interior layout to emphasize the Student Union is part of something BIG

COLLECTION:

Taos Lifestyle: Furniture area; Mattress/Bedding area; Appliance area; Gift Store area; Mary’s Place performance area; SLIVER 815 Art Gallery area; Lucky’s Taco’s, TSU STUDENT UNION

(IMO: All the inventory/products/services offered in these areas are equivalent to works of art produced by the “creatives/brands” mentioned.)

EXHIBITIONS/CALENDAR/LEARN/CONSERVATION & RESEARCH (not so much):

TBD -As TSU gets further along there will be “limited-run” events (possibly in conjunction with SLIVER and MARY’S PLACE. There may also be educational presentations, book/poetry readings, fashion shows, etc.

SUPPORT:

Strictly in the context of future fundraising events – TBD

SHOP:

The retail section that displays TSU Products for sale!