Web Site Design
The four basic website structures are:
Sequence
 A simple
linear way to organize material. Sequential structure usually
works best with smaller web sites.
Grid
 A grid structure
is a complicated web structure which is best suited for information
where the audience has some basic knowledge of the topic.
Hierarchy
 A hierarchical
structure is an excellent method for organizing complex information
around a single home page.
Web
 A web structure
provides a free flow of information, but may be difficult for
inexperienced users to follow.
For further description see Yale's Web
Style Guide.
Although there are many style manuals being written on how web documents
should be designed, there is really no "correct" style. Style manuals
help to formalize document design, however, it is more important for each
author to come up with their own standards. Continuity and consistency
should be the goal of any set of standards.
For those new to creating web documents, there are some basic design
considerations which should be adhered to:
-
Utilize an organizational method and writing style for your site which
is familiar to your primary audience. Use the language and vocabulary
of your users.
-
Prevent users from getting confused by keeping your home page concise and
to the point. Include a few primary items on the home page which
encourage further exploration of your site.
-
Each web page should be able to stand on its own. Try to limit each
page to one concept or idea. Organize the page for quick scanning.
Annotate any lists of resources so the user knows what to expect when the
link is followed.
-
While the use of images enhances the visual presentation, balance aesthetics
with functionality. Place an emphasis on providing quality information
for your users and limit the use of in-line images as much as possible.
-
Remember that different browsers render web pages in different ways.
Try not to design documents based on what they look like using a particular
browser. Allow as many users as possible to access your information
- regardless of which browser they are using. Don't rely heavily
on emphasizing text with italics, bolds, or capital letters.
-
A consistent look and feel of the web pages can help to establish a site's
identity. Develop templates which are used when adding new pages
onto your site.
-
Provide an e-mail address to allow visitors to your site to contact you
with questions or concerns.
-
Ensure easy navigation by providing consistent navigational elements, such
as a link back to the home page, so users can move smoothly through the
site.
-
Give a lot of thought to the organization of your site and how its different
elements are linked. How is this navigational information conveyed to the
user?
-
Give some thought to where you are going to store your files on the web
server. Generally, graphics should go in a folder separate from html
files.
-
After someone visits your site, he/she should be able mentally organize
your site's different elements and how you get from one place to another.
-
People will come to your site looking for a specific piece of information
and you need to make things clear for them.
-
Make it easy for a visitor to navigate your site. A visitor needs to know
if they have seen everything they need to see at your site. Make it easy
for a visitor to determine what is new and when things were changed.
Web Site Design
|
Originally developed by Sheila Edstrom, John
Lyman, and Russ Revzan, redesigned and Esther Pullman. Last
modified 4-27-02 by John
Lyman.
|
|
|
