Effective Web Design Strategies

Steps for Designing a Website

A. Set GoalsB. Organize StructureC. Build and Test PagesD. Launch, Promote and Maintain the Site

Set Goals

Decide on a team/person to develop the website

Identify the goal of the siteIdentify the target audience of the websiteAnalyze the competition and keywords used

in the industry

Organize Structure

Select an available domainRegister domain with an appropriate registryChoose a web host and contact them to hold

your site on their serverDetermine the basic architecture and

organization of your siteChoose the design elements that control the

look of your site

Build and Test Pages

Determine the content of your webpagesCreate your webpagesLink and test pages

Launch, Promote and Maintain the Site

Publish/upload the websitePromote the websitemaintain

Programming Languages

Uniqueness – must be precise and complete – can’t be ambiguous and expect it to understand

Examples – C++, Java, Visual Basic, Cold Fusion

Syntax – Govern the way words are usedSemantics – What words meanGrammar check – The words are used

correctly AND have correct meanings

Mark Up Language

Originated from symbolic codes on manuscripts explaining printing instructions

Example – HTMLCodes/Tags – Enclosed in brackets give

instructions <>Example - <b> means to make the text bold

Programming Tools

Tools used to create, maintain or debug other programs

Ex. Debuggers, source code generators

Web Page Writing Strategies:

1. Write in chunks. Don’t overwhelm with a lot of information in one paragraph. Keep your paragraphs at 2-3 sentences each.

2. Use headings. You will make your page easy to scan.

3. Use lists. Lists will create scannability, as well.4. Bold. Bolding will allow you to highlight important

information. Bolding is also effective in search engine promotion. Don’t overbold, things can quickly become unreadable if everything is bold.

5. Write at an 8th grade reading level. To reach the majority of readers.

Web Page Writing Strategies cont.

6. Watch the jargon. If you have the slightest feeling that your audience will not understand your specific terminology – then give definitions.

7. Write it the way you say it. Do write conversationally. You don’t even have to write in complete sentences – as long as you are getting the point across. Sometimes text is easier to read without complete sentences.

8. Watch out for too many font sizes. A good rule of thumb in traditional print design is 2 font styles and 2 font sizes, one for headlines and one for the body copy.

Strategies for Selecting, Organizing and Managing Content

1. Select content by making a list of common consumer questions you would like your website to answer

2. Organize info by topics, tasks and/or users1. Topics – products, company info2. Tasks – verbs – like finding the right print cartridge3. Users – kids vs. adults

3. Managing content with a consistent navigation bar and clear labels on every page

Guidelines for an Effective & Functional Website

1. Design – 1. not too busy, professional2. Not cluttered – easy to find info

2. Content – 1. not just text & images, 2. tools too: games, quizzes, calculators, discussion,

reviews3. Usability –

1. pages load quickly, 2. no broken links, 3. consistent navigation – should not have to hit back

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