Web Design 3: Design
Web site design should be user-centered. In this phase, visual design, page layout, and a navigational scheme will be selected.
- Page hierarchy: Select a hierarchical scheme for linking your pages. You might think of this as organizing information into file folders or book chapters. Generally users find flatter hierarchies - ones that are only 3 or 4 levels deep - easiest to navigate. Try to identify where the site might expand or contract based on seasonal fluctuations or other business needs.
- Define page types: What information will you place on your home page? What are the major content categories that will be linked from your homepage? What navigational pages will you include: site map? index? search engine? What navigational aids will be present on every page (e.g., a link to the home page). What feedback or user input pages will be included in the site?
- Determine layout of page types: Based on user-requirements, what HTML layout scheme will you use on the various page types: standard HTML? tables? frames? Where will you place navigational links on the page? Remember that users feel more comfortable when the navigational tools are standard throughout the site and are placed predictably. Most designers create page grids to visualize the placement of content of web pages. Select a palette for your site. Manage your space: a crowded screen can overwhelm users.
- Advanced features: Determine which advanced features are appropriate to your site and where you will use them. Where might sound, motion, or animation enhance your site? Using advanced features carefully can keep standard screens from becoming monotonous. Consider the overall bandwidth requirements for your site. Are they reasonable?
- Manage content: Determine the source of your content. Web pages should be written with a tone and language language level that will engage your readers. Remember that most web users scan pages rather than reading them word for word. Use logical formatting and font colors to enhance their ability to scan the page. Do not bury critical information within long paragraphs.
- Prototype: Build a basic prototype of your site using pen and paper and/or simple HTML coding. Review your page types, page layout and proposed organization with the entire project team, your client and prospective user groups. Are there elements that have been forgotten? Can users identify how to navigate to find needed information? Review the prototype with an eye to speed: how fast will it download via a 28.8 modem?
Go to Next Page: Web Design 4: Production
Copyright © 2000 E. Bell