Site design

• Write an abstract to describe the goal of your site.
  
  • gather information
  • write a simple statement of function (what your site will provide)
  • expand this statement to include interaction between client, site and page

• Think of your site as a pyramid.
  • home page and top pages are small
  • pages below gradually get bigger

• Keep in mind the levels of pages.
  • home page — try to fit it on one screen
  • level-one pages — major topics of the site; use this level to further organize your topics; try to avoid the tendency to include too much detail at this level
  • level-two pages — include lots of detail

• Make sure all pages have a clear indication of what web site they belong to.
  • users don't always come through the home page
  • provide a link to the home page

• Take a layered approach to adding features to your site. Keep in mind your audience's technology and wants. Design for the lowest common denominator.
  • start with the basic text message — text will work on all browsers
  • add images next
  • add advanced layout capabilities (tables)
  • then add animation, sound and multimedia
  • finally, add compound document architecture (frames)

• Always have a search feature on your site.

• Provide a site map.

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