Web documents contain a number of core elements. The first of these is a tag identifying the appropriate document type, marked by the DOCTYPE HTML tag. (XML has similar tags of its own, but in each case, the document starts off with a tag defining what kind of document follows.) This tag ensures that the Web browser understands the appropriate manner in which to render and interpret the document. This is followed by a header, in which the general color scheme is established and the title, appearing at the top of the browser, is set. Finally, the body of the document is established by the BODY tag in HTML. It is within the body that the Web page's information is conveyed. These are the essential elements that allow a Web browser to read a Web page. In addition to these, however, there are several general conventions that site designers tend to follow within the bodies of their documents.
Design consistency is important in order to create a common theme that users can identify as belonging to a particular company. In other words, consistent design parameters across a site help define the company's character on the World Wide Web. For example, wherever possible, designers are encouraged to use identical layout grids, color schemes, graphic themes, text fonts, and organization patterns. According to
Web Style Guide: Basic Design Principles for Creating Web Sites, designers need to make users comfortable with a site as quickly as possible, which requires users to be familiar with the site in only a few minutes; obviously, then, designers need to check their temptation to explore a wide range of design techniques within a single site. Headers, titles, footers, navigation links, and other common page elements thus need to appear in similar or identical fashion. Fast-loading graphics combined with comfortable color palettes are the most effective aesthetic combination.
Designers should also avoid what are known as "dead end" pages—those pages on which there are no links back to the home page or to another local page. Such dead ends give the impression of a poorly designed and unorganized site, and easily frustrate users. Sophisticated, consistent design that meets high standards and avoids sloppiness is crucial if users are to maintain confidence in the site.
User Comments Add a comment…