Creating User-Focused Web Sites

C H A P T E R 19

• What Are the Characteristics of a User-Focused Web Sites?

• How Do You Plan the Site?• How Do You Design the Site?

Presentation Overview

• It is easy to scan.• It uses concise language.• It is easy to navigate.• It is accessible.• It is credible and trustworthy.

What Are the Characteristics of a User-Focused Web 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.

How Do You Plan the Site?

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?

Identify the Users and Your Purpose

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?

Determine the Appropriate Content

• Create an effective online layout.• Write concise, scannable content.• Make the site easy to navigate.• Make the site accessible.• Create a credible, trustworthy site.

How Do You Design the Site?

• 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.

Create an Effective Online Layout

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 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.

Write Concise, Scannable Content

Source: Downloaded from the World Wide Web, June 10, 2009: http://www.childrensrights.org/.

• 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.

Make the Site Easy to Navigate

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.

• 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.

Make the Site Accessible

Source: Downloaded from the World Wide Web, June 10, 2009: http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Pages/default.aspx.

• 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.

Create a Credible, Trustworthy Site

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?