It almost goes without saying, but we also provide comprehensive web page design, including graphical
design and optimization, and using our full suite of search
engine optimization tools.
We design web pages to meet the current standards of validity, using principles founded in instructional
systems design. Having a good, fluid website design is important to presenting your page to customers
and search engines.
Since our design is rooted in Search Engine Optimization and Website Accessibility principles, typically
our designs have the following characteristics:
- Textual Links in the Navigation
- Validated Web Page Code
- Content Heavy (200 - 600 words of text per page)
- Optimized Images
We also guide ourselves on the following principles of design:
- Anticipation
- Visitors should know what the site is about, and should not be surprised by the results of their navigation (descriptive textual
links)
- Autonomy
- The web site has to be intuitive and must stand alone in its design (providing a single source
for the information the viewers need and not directing them outside of their web site)
- Color Blindness
- The web site must have appropriate, readable colors. Too often, I find that small businesses have
dark colors with bright text that is very difficult for a user to read.
- Consistency
- The template and structure of the site should be consistent throughout the site (no whimsical navigation
changes)
- Efficiency
- The Click Count should not be too high (to get to any page on the site, a user should not have
to click more than three links)
- Explorable Interfaces
- The web pages should not be linear in nature, but should allow a user to freely navigate with an
intuitive schema.
- Fitts Law
-
Size + position = importance; The most important concepts in the web page should be the biggest and
should be in positions of importance. If this is done by text, then we use <h1> tags and place
in the headline area. In some cases, images can also convey the desired principles (although care
that search engines can recognize the ideas represented by the images is crucial)
- Human Interface Objects
-
Iconization. This is using standard icon representations to help guide users (for example: using
an image of a shopping cart to direct a user to their cart)
- Latency Reduction
- We have to keep the attention of the user. Latency is therefore our enemy. Images must be optimized
and concepts expressed concisely.
- Learnability
- If a website is not completely intuitive, it must be easy to use and iteratively useful (to the
point where it becomes intuitive)
- Metaphors
- Use of
common cultural representations of an idea
- Protect the Users
- If a site requires it, areas must have login protection.
- Readability
- Text must be readable in a variety of display settings. Text / Background colors must be addressed.
- Use of
acronyms and jargon eliminated / defined. Glossary if applicable
|
E=m²ci
Edification = motivation(squared) * content * interactivity
I normally apply this formula as a metric to determine motivation and perception, but in web design
and development, it also holds true. If you create a site that is full of content, gives the user interactivity
(the ability to navigate to subjects of interest, and multiply it by their motivation (squared), your
site will meet edification standards. |
