|
Simplify Your Web Site for Clarity and Ease
of Use
by: Edward Robireds
There are
plenty of web sites out there in which basic
elements of design are ignored. The viewer
may experience overkill and frustration,
instead of gently receiving the message or
information. Here are some simple ways to
help clarify your web site's message for
your company or organization. Use the web as
a tool for sales, community contact, and to
improve, rather than detract from a business
entity’s image.
Choosing Your
Images
Choose site
images carefully. Collect simple
illustrations or photographs that are in
sync with company mission or philosophy. A
few select images will have more impact than
many images competing for the eye’s
attention. Avoid images that are distracting
or trendy. Don’t simply use graphics to be
cool.
How many
photos or images are appropriate? A good
rule of thumb is one to two images per web
page. Select photos and images as carefully
as you select the text, and you’ll be on
your way to a better site. The exception to
the rule is for sites that market a large
amount of products or contain many points of
interest, where small thumbnail images may
be more appropriate.
Placement of
Images on the Page
Do you want
the photo or graphic to be the centerpiece?
The first thing the eye sees? If so, place
it in the central position. If not, maybe
the photo or graphic is related to some of
the text, and it can be placed nearby this
text to accentuate it. Remember, we read
from left to right. Some say the left
represents the past, the center the present,
and the right the future. Content may be
organized this way on the page
intentionally, to heighten this resonance
with the viewer.
Don’t let site
images be a distraction or hindrance to
understanding. Instead, they should blend
well into site content and not be a contrast
to the message on the page. Images should
not compete with content, they should
enhance it.
Image Quality
Images should
look as nice and clear as possible. There is
an important balance to keep between image
file size and quality. Always keep in mind
that the file size and dimensions of your
images will ultimately control overall page
loading time. A slow-loading site will be
frustrating to any user. Generally, pages
load from the top down, so it is an
important point to remember not to design
your pages with large image files that fill
the top of each page.
Site Text
It’s important
not to overdo the writing on a page.
Consider how much the user will read and
write site content to capture the typically
short attention spans of the viewers. Be
succinct, and most importantly: be clear.
Write subheads and set them in bold,
slightly larger type. Carefully placed
subheads allow the casual viewer to scan the
content of your site.
Write for
Search Engines
Research your
clientele, and your targeted audience, and
always develop content that sells your
products, services, or organization. If you
or your organization are lacking the
expertise to write good copy, hire a
professional writer to do the job.
Some web
specific writing techniques are important.
Try to use select keywords on each page that
will lead new users to consider your
business or services. Write this text
directly into your copy. The first 20 words
of your web site text should be what you
want people to see in search engine results
as a summary of your site.
Site
Organization
To simplify
the user’s experience, set your site up so
that he can get to the intended location
easily with no more than three clicks. The
overall design of your site must be clear
and intuitive so the user can navigate the
content easily. If you must use symbols to
direct the reader, always attach some
explanatory text for the user, so they know
where clicking the symbol will take them.
These are just
a few of the basics of effective and clear
web design. These tips provide ways to guide
the user around your site, rather than
frustrate them. With site clarity and ease
of use, your clients and prospects are
educated about your products and services,
and have more reason to purchase them.
About The Author
Edward Robirds is a
success-driven artist and interactive
media developer based in Cincinnati,
Ohio. Since 1996, Edward has been
building business relationships with
several association and commercial
clients around the world. Founder of
www.DreamseaArtworks.com, Edward
uses his artistic skills, expertise and
passion to design and develop web sites,
interactive CD-ROMs, and print media for
his clients.
mail@dreamseaartworks.com
|
<< Back to "Web Design
Development" Index
|
