Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
opinion about my company's capabilities. Or, a gallery curator is looking at my
Web portfolio to decide if my artwork is worthy of a professional venue. The
tenure committee is reviewing my Web portfolio during the application process.
Try to narrow down the potential visitors to your site and begin to focus on their
needs. And remember, the Web portfolio provides an appearance that trickles
into every audience we interact with, so make the experience something that
you can be proud of professionally and socially.
Lynch and Horton (1999) serve up some important items to consider when
developing user-centered design for the Web. Coupled with our Web portfolio
mission, they establish a good set of general Web portfolio usability guidelines
which are listed next. Think about Web sites which you recently have visited or
examine a few before you read this section. Look to see if the Web sites have
characteristics that make them usable and if they are user-centered in design.
Following is a list from Lynch and Horton (1999, pp. 14-18) that I have
adapted to fit the Web portfolio application:
•
Provide clear navigation aids for users.
Specifically consistent icons,
text, colors, and graphic schemes should provide a transparent and
intuitive interface design. Simplicity becomes a priority when designing the
Web portfolio. Showing off can be done with the portfolio files them-
selves. The interface should not become a monster of complexity — for
you or the user. When the navigation and interface overwhelm the content,
the user gets confused. They do not know what to look at first or most.
The navigation should never distract the user from concentrating on the
work, so no blinking navigation and keep the interface motion to a
minimum.
•
Eliminate dead end pages that lock in users.
Make sure that links to
home, contact, and top level pages are included on every page. If the Web
portfolio has dead ends, your presentation is dead! The life and death of
the Web portfolio depends on its ability to work when it is supposed to
work. The best way to root out dead links and problem pages is to go
through the Web portfolio completely, accessing and testing each link and
navigation element. You will do that later on in the process, but keep it in
mind while you begin the creative process.
•
Provide direct access to the information users want.
Keep the
hierarchal structure of your site based on your users' needs. Important
items are top level and should be accessible throughout the site, regardless
