HTW Dresden TYPO3 Upgrade

Use Case: TYPO3 update and integration of new corporate design
Industry: Public client from the tertiary education sector (university)
Technologies: TYPO3, HTW ePay Extension, new server architecture
Time info: 02 / 2023 - 02 /2024

With around 4,800 students, the Dresden University of Applied Sciences (HTW Dresden) is the second largest university in the state capital and is now one of the top German universities of applied sciences. The more than 40 degree courses in the fields of engineering, economics, environment and design are strongly practice-oriented. Research at the HTWD focuses on future topics such as environmental protection, mobility and the digital economy."

Project overview

+Pluswerk has carried out an extensive TYPO3 upgrade to version 12 for the Dresden University of Applied Sciences (HTW Dresden). In the course of this, the existing server architecture was optimized and the website was adapted to the university's new corporate design. The aim was to make the website accessible and mobile-first in order to create a modern and user-friendly interface.

The project was triggered by the expiry of the support period for the old TYPO3 version. In addition to the update, numerous community and in-house developments used by the HTW as well as external functionalities such as the ePay payment function were seamlessly integrated. This meant that the university could continue to rely on a future-proof and powerful web platform.

HTW Dresden Desktop Website Screenshot — Screenshot HTW Dresden Desktop Website

Design refresh on a solid foundation

With the TYPO3 upgrade and redesign, HTW Dresden was not only able to modernize its online presence, but also significantly improve the reliability and performance of the website. The new server architecture, which is based on existing hardware, reliably minimizes website downtime.

The new website design, which complies with current corporate design guidelines, offers users an optimized and barrier-free user experience. The intuitive usability of the front end allows students and interested parties easy access to the desired information, which significantly increases user satisfaction.

Customer testimonial

"+Pluswerk responded flexibly and quickly to our concerns, even when there were changes to the project. The solution was quick and technically competent. The implementation of the HTW Dresden corporate design was very successful."

Dr. Anja Lohse, Office of the Chancellor of the HTW Dresden

Use cases

Update implementation and quality assurance

As part of the project, +Pluswerk updated the existing TYPO3 installation to version 12, which required an extensive migration of the community and in-house developments. External functionalities such as the ePay payment system were also integrated. Intensive quality assurance ensured that all system components functioned smoothly after the upgrade.

Thanks to the iterative implementation and close cooperation with HTW Dresden, we were able to react very flexibly and quickly to changing requirements. The agile approach enabled rapid adaptation and further development, so that the university always had a powerful and secure web solution at its disposal.

Implementation of the current corporate design

As part of the TYPO3 upgrade, +Pluswerk adapted the design of the website to the current corporate design of HTW Dresden. This included a complete visual overhaul of the website, which is once again barrier-free with the new design and designed according to the mobile-first approach.

The implementation was carried out in close coordination with the university to ensure that the design meets the high standards of the HTW. The new look of the website strengthens the university's brand identity and makes it easier for users to navigate and find information.

The result is a modern and user-friendly interface that meets the requirements of the various target groups (students, researchers, prospective students, etc.).