Transcript C H A P T E R 1

Creating UserFocused Web Sites
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Presentation Overview
• What Are the Characteristics of a UserFocused Web Sites?
• How Do You Plan the Site?
• How Do You Design the Site?
What Are the Characteristics of a
User-Focused Web Site?
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It is easy to scan.
It uses concise language.
It is easy to navigate.
It is accessible.
It is credible and trustworthy.
How Do You Plan the Site?
1. Identify the users and your purpose for the
site.
2. Determine the appropriate content.
3. Organize the site.
4. Design the pages.
5. Code the content.
6. Test the site.
7. Launch the site.
8. Maintain the site.
Identify the Users and Your Purpose
Ask:
• What do the users know about the subject of
the site?
• Why will users visit your site?
• Are the users internal or external?
• Are your users global?
• Have you considered whether your users
have disabilities that will affect their ability to
access the information on your site?
Determine the Appropriate Content
Ask:
• Will you use existing information from paper
documents?
• Will you have to create new content?
• Where will you get graphics for the site?
• Will you include audio on your site?
• What is the budget for creating the site?
How Do You Design the Site?
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Create an effective online layout.
Write concise, scannable content.
Make the site easy to navigate.
Make the site accessible.
Create a credible, trustworthy site.
Create an Effective Online Layout
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Use ample white space.
Group related information together.
Use a consistent design for the pages.
Include an informative title at the top of
every page.
• Include the site name or logo on every page.
Create an Effective Online Layout
• Include an informative header or footer on
every page (see below).
• Use graphics and color appropriate for the
users and the topic.
• Use graphics that download quickly.
Source: Downloaded from the World Wide Web, June 10, 2009: http://www.conservation.org/Pages/default.aspx .
Source: Downloaded from the World Wide Web, June 10, 2009:
http://www.conservation.org/learn/species/profiles/lemurs/pages/lemurs.aspx .
Source: Downloaded from the World Wide Web, June 10, 2009:
http://www.conservation.org/explore/south_america/suriname/pages/suriname.aspx.
Write Concise, Scannable Content
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Write in small “chunks” and short pages.
Use bulleted items and lists.
Include highlighted keywords.
Use subheadings.
Use simple words and short, concise
sentences.
• Use active-voice verbs whenever possible and
appropriate.
Write Concise, Scannable Content
• Include an introduction or introductory
sentence that identifies the purpose of the
site and specifies the intended users.
Source: Downloaded from the World Wide Web, June 10, 2009: http://www.childrensrights.org/.
Make the Site Easy to Navigate
• Include a site map.
• Include an index.
• Provide a link to the home page on every
page.
• Include a navigation bar on every page.
• Include a search function on every page.
Source: Downloaded from the World Wide Web, June 10, 2009:
http://www.nutrition.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=11&tax_level=1&tax_subject=386.
Make the Site Accessible
• Include a text-only version of all visual
information.
• Don’t rely on color or graphics to convey
information.
• Allow users to adjust the size of the text.
• Be sensitive to readers of other cultures.
Source: Downloaded from the World Wide Web, June 10, 2009: http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Pages/default.aspx.
Create a Credible, Trustworthy Site
• Include your name and/or the name of the
organization that is publishing the site, as
well as the contact information.
• Include the date that you launched the site or
the date you last updated the site.
• Check all links regularly to make sure that
they still work.
• Make sure the information on your site is
accurate and free of typographical errors,
spelling errors, and other mistakes.
Create a Credible, Trustworthy Site
• Use high-quality graphics.
• Use a professional tone that is appropriate for
your purpose and users.
• Cite sources.
• Respond to reader mail.
Source: Downloaded from the World Wide Web, June 10, 2009: http://www.marktwainmuseum.org/index.php/facility-rental.
Source: Downloaded from the World Wide Web, June 10, 2009: http://www.marktwainmuseum.org/index.php/facility-rental.
Questions?