Design Checklist
Advanced Web Design: Tasks | Teaching guide | Resources

Here is a reminder of some of the 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.