Web Page Design

Some Design Considerations 

  • Using a Web site is very different from using a print resource -- reading speed; getting around
  • Interaction metaphors  -- users look for links; for forward & backward buttons
  • A single Web page, and only part of that, may be the initial access point 
          Users' limited view
    The leap in going forward and back may be between different Web sites, e.g., 
     
        Showing hyperlinks
  • Good design strategy -- apply the same few basic design principles to every page; application of a similar "look and feel" will convey a sense of continuity
  • Basic elements: Clear title // Date of last revision // Identify author [Forward & backward links]
 Hierarchies 
Site structure 
 
        Confusing site structure
    Site structure too shallow 
       
       

      Site structure too deep 
       
       

      Balanced site structure

Many institutions have Guidelines for Web Document Style & Design (this one's from UC Berkeley).  You should check with the appropriate office on your campus to see what your institution's guidelines are. 

A more simple design: a single page with 

  • an index along the top: example
  • an index down the lefthand side: example
 
Note: Much of this information adapted from the Yale Web Style Guide 
 
 
 

Topsy N. Smalley 01/00