Site Planning

A great site is a planned site. Here are things to consider:
What is the Purpose? Examples include:

  • Reference Library
  • Art Gallery
  • Direct Sales
  • Lead Generation
  • Corporate Branding
  • Information/News

Who is the Audience? Consider:

  • Tech-savvy
  • General consumers (in what demographic?)
  • Search engines
  • Professional colleagues
  • Potential employers
  • Community

What is the Platform?
Unless your audience is absolutely controlled for these factors, your site should be equally accessible in multiple browsers, and should not require the latest and greatest equipment. Plan around both small and large monitors, and consider mobile.

Is Your Site Accessible?
Make sure you don’t design a site that causes problem for users who are blind or visually impaired.

Create a Style Sheet
Make sure the same design elements mean the same things throughout the site, and use a finite set of fonts, colors, sizes, and styles.

Navigation

  • Should be intuitive
  • Can follow popular models: Most people have visited Amazon, Yahoo, or Facebook. Placing vital links in similar places to where they are on Internet behemoths helps your users understand your site.