Web Design Tips Digest

Web Design Tips: Digest by Internet Photojournalist John Myers
Compiled from: www.colin.mackenzie.org/webdesign/ Copyright © 1998, Colin Mackenzie
For comments or questions send Email to: writeme@johnwmyers.com

Avoid Cliches	page counters javascript text scrolling excessive animated GIFs under construction signs page fade-ins, etc.	"have a fresh, original site instead of a page full of backgrounds, animations and javascript functions from an overused library"
HTML Standards	<HTML> and <HEAD> tags HEIGHT and WIDTH attributes for <IMG> tags ALT attributes with alternate text for <IMG> tags ending tags for <HEAD>, <BODY>, <P>, and <CENTER> tags proper codes for extended characters	"it is almost impossible to test your site on every browser...and the one person who visits your site with an outdated browser may just be your best client"
Novelties	java applets activex controls shockwave objects tools that require plug-ins specialized document formats	"This doesn't mean you have to avoid these things ... use them wisely, and ensure that there is an alternative for people who don't want the 'extras'"
Get to the point	"Make sure that visitors don't have to wade through endless links to get somewhere... (or) scroll down 30 screens worth"	"Keep in mind that a frustrated visitor probably won't be a visitor for long"
Overdoing it	excessive graphics frames background images bevels and other graphic tricks	"put the design and layout first, and then dip into your bag of tricks when you need something"
Keep it fresh	javascript or CGI scripting to create content using cookies to track previous visits, and customize content randomizing elements of the site, such as main graphics, logos, etc.	"If the site looks different every time somebody visits, they'll be more inclined to come back again. If content is customized, then you can 'target market' your information"
Layout/Design	split your information into logical sections make sure your starting page is attractive and well laid out try to have a consistent theme throughout the entire site try to use colours, styles and fonts that complement each other	"If two companies are selling the same product, and one puts a photocopied flyer under your windshield, while the other hands you a full-colour kit while wearing a business suit...which one are you likely to remember?"
Browser neutral	Test your pages with: a different size screen a text-only browser (or images turned off) a different colour resolution a different browser with a minimal feature set	"It's important to keep in mind that when you develop a web site, you have to cater to the widest possible audience... It might look great on your screen, but it might look lousy on somebody elses"
Graphics quality	"anti-aliasing" of graphics create customized graphics use a clip-art library background colour on images	"Graphics quality can be a key factor in improving the appearance of your web site...it is fairly subtle...one site just looks better than the other, and a lot of people won't recognize why"
Total page size	main page not much more than 50K JPEGs with higher compression ratios optimize GIFs for fewest colors repeat images on pages from cache	"make sure that your site is relatively quick to load... There are obviously a number of factors ... but make sure excessive file sizes isn't one of them"