HTML and CSS Reference
In-Depth Information
Web Site Design and Development
After determining the purpose of the Web site and defining the content and
functionality, you need to consider the Web site's design. Some key considerations in
Web site design are defining how to organize Web page content, selecting the appropriate
Web site structure, determining how to use multimedia, addressing accessibility issues, and
designing pages for an international audience. One of the most important aspects of Web
site design is determining the best way to provide navigation on the Web site. If users cannot
easily find the information that they are seeking, they will not return to your Web site.
Many ways to organize a Web page exist, just as many ways to organize a report or
paper exist. Table 1-5 lists some organizational standards for creating a Web page that is
easy to read and navigate.
Accessibility Standards
Creating a Web site that
is accessible to all users
allows your Web site to
reach the widest audience.
Further, under Section
508 law, any Web site or
technology used by a U.S.
federal agency must be
usable by people with
disabilities. See Appendix C
for Section 508 guidelines.
Table 1-5 Web Page Organizational Standards
Element
Organizational Standard
Reason
Titles
Use simple titles that clearly explain the
purpose of the page
Titles help users understand the purpose of
the page; a good title explains the page in the
search engine results lists
Headings
Use headings to separate main topics
Headings make a Web page easier to read;
simple headlines clearly explain the purpose of
the page
Horizontal Rules
Insert horizontal rules to separate main
topics
Horizontal rules provide graphical elements to
break up Web page content
Paragraphs
Use paragraphs to help divide large
amounts of text
Paragraphs provide shorter, more readable
sections of text
Lists
Utilize bulleted or numbered lists when
appropriate
Lists provide organized, easy-to-read text that
readers can scan
Page Length
Maintain suitable Web page lengths
Web users do not always scroll to view
information on longer pages; appropriate page
lengths increase the likelihood that users will
view key information
Information
Emphasize the most important information
by placing it at the top of a Web page
Web users are quick to peruse a page; placing
critical information at the top of the page
increases the likelihood that users will view key
information
Other
Incorporate a contact e-mail address;
include the date of the last modification
E-mail addresses and dates give users a way to
contact a Web site developer with questions;
the date last modified helps users determine
the timeliness of the site information
Web sites can use several different types of structures, including linear, hierarchical,
and webbed. Each structure links, or connects, the Web pages in a different way to define
how users navigate the site and view the Web pages. You should select a structure for the
Web site based on how users will navigate the site and view the Web site content.
A
linear
Web site structure connects Web pages in a straight line, as shown in
Figure 1-11 on the next page. A linear Web site structure is appropriate if the information
on the Web pages should be read in a specific order. For example, if the information on
the first Web page, Module 1, is necessary for understanding information on the second
Web page, Module 2, you should use a linear structure. Each page would have links from
one Web page to the next, as well as a link back to the previous Web page. There are many
cases in which Web pages need to be read one after the other, such as in the case of train-
ing material in which Module 1 needs to be completed before Module 2 can be attempted.
