SPIDERbytes

1. Layout

Your site should be designed for your audience, not to satisfy your Web Master’s own creative desires. Viewers (we think) respond well to layout structures that are intuitive and user-friendly. Are the page designs consistent throughout the site? Are the links to other parts of the site laid out consistently so that the viewer does not have to relearn the format each page? Is the contact information easily found?: Your site should be designed for your audience, not to satisfy your Web Master’s own creative desires. Viewers (we think) respond well to layout structures that are intuitive and user-friendly. Are the page designs consistent throughout the site? Are the links to other parts of the site laid out consistently so that the viewer does not have to relearn the format each page? Is the contact information easily found?

2. Speed

Until we all have the equivalent of cable modems on our terminals, Web Masters must consider the amount of time graphics will take to load or appear on the screen? Nothing is more annoying than having to wait for large files to load, especially if its just the background image. This is an excellent way to turn off potential customers forever. A good rule of thumb is to have file sizes under 100K, preferably under 50K. 

Clearly, there is no way to avoid some large files, particularly if you need to display photos that are color intensive images. This is where strategic layout comes in to play. The large files could be placed on separate pages. The viewer could be advised of the loading time, as a courtesy, etc.

3. Searchable

Since many sites rely on the search engines to be found, it is important to understand how they catalogue. It is certainly true all search engines have their own search algorithms, but good site design can manage to work for many of them. This involves techniques such as placement of the words your viewers are most likely to search on your page. It is also important to create pages that are limited in their focus, as some search engines conduct statistical analysis of the words themselves.   

4. Font / Color / Theme

Make the site pleasing to the eye, not necessarily so that it will win art awards. Viewers have to be able to read the information on the screen. Too many changes in fonts are difficult to read. Some fonts should be used for headings only. Some combinations are easier to read than others. Some backgrounds only hinder the readability of the screen. Does your background help your message, create your mood, and enhance your site? If it doesn’t, consider changing it. Are you using a common theme throughout the site or is it disjointed? Changing from one theme to another on subsequent pages may cause your viewer to be less likely to stay on your site. Remember, your site is designed to optimize the experience of your viewers.

5. Interactivity

It’s self-qualifying and it’s immediate. Take advantage of it. Use interactivity to your advantage and design it so that you are not spending any additional, unnecessary expense. Forms, Surveys, Quizzes, Contents, E-Mail, Hyper-Links, FAX-Back Service, and Chat Pages are all examples of interactive services that can and should be employed in your site.