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It is the Web Designer's job to to use technology to convey the
appropriate message to site visitors. The concepts of design are
as important as the content. Web designers use technical tools to
implement their design ideas. They may use a WYSIWYG tool to create
the Web site (i.e. FrontPage or Dreamweaver). They will use some
graphics program to create and enhance Web graphics (i.e. Illustrator,
Fireworks, PhotoShop PaintShop Pro or others).
Tools for Web Site Design include, but are
not limited to:
- WYSIWYG editors
- HTML editing tools
- Graphics applications
Technology for Web Site Design include include,
but are not limited to:
- Manual HTML Coding
- JavaScript and other scripting languages
The current direction of Web site design
includes:
- Multimedia
- Data-driven content (Accessing Databases)
- E-commerce
- Intranets
Some of the newest Technologies for
Web Design and Development include:
Web Users and Site Design
80% of Web users merely scan Web page content looking for keywords
and phrases - therefore, you must create a page that allows users
to quickly scan and find the information they seek.
Points to remember
- First impressions are important
- Keep users satisfied, give them what they want and they will
come back
- Users do not want to see cluttered pages with irrelevant content
and images
- The Web is self-centric: Users are interested in only what they
want
Common page layout formats
The newspaper style (Inverted Pyramid) offers the user a list of story
summaries first, then links or references to the details for those
who are interested. In other words, links, with a little bit of text
to clue the user in on what to expect if he/she clicks on the link
works well.
Layout elements and their usage
- Page Layout refers to the way in which the Web designer presents
information to users
- Web page elements include layout, color, fonts, images and other
multimedia
- When a designer begins the design process, he or she should
determine early on what elements to use. The designer should then
consistently use these elements throughout the Web site
- The design and use of Cascading Style Sheets is the best way
to simplify consistence
Color
The Element of Color plays an important role in the perception
and presentation of a Web site. A company's style, culture and mood
can be conveyed by the colors presented in the site and how they blend,
coordinate or contrast.
Usability
- Quality content
- Easy navigation
- Information architecture
- Search capability
Usability Testing
A site's effectiveness should be tested with users who have
had little or no previous exposure to the site and if possible, the
Internet. If these testers can easily find what they want on the site,
you have done a good job!
Navigation is critical
- Navigation is moving from one point to another in an understood
and controlled manner with purpose
- Make it clear where visitors can go after arriving at your home
page, and from every page
- A well designed site requires only a few clicks for navigation
to be understood
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