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Design Principles

Below are some basic page and site design principles or conventions. Though some web sites (or hypertexts) are experimental or artistic, most are expository, or meant to deliver information quickly and easily. With this in mind, here are a few commonly assumed features that web users will be looking for.

1. Arrangement--Most sites are expository, so arrange for easy comprehension. Organize topically and use a basic "outline" logic.
   

2. Navigation--Navigational links should run along the side, top, bottom, or any combination of the three. They should always clearly show what kind of information is at the link's destination, and show the users where they are in relation to the whole.
   

3. Scrolling--While scrolling down a page is often unavoidable, it is generally best to break information down into small chunks placed on separate pages so that the reader can link from one section to another rather than scroll through a very long page.
   

4. Readability--It is often tough to read a lot of text on the screen, so keep paragraphs fairly short in addition to pages. Also narrowing the text columns can help avoid the strain of reading long lines.
   

5. Layering--The web allows a designer to layer information. Links can branch out to more specific or detailed information so that users who seek more depth or who have little background can choose to go to a page that provides more information. Users who don't need that information can move on.
   

6. Coherency--In addition to being logically structured, a site should be connected via look, colors, and images. Avoid random color schemes and images that are unrelated to the content of the site.
   

7. Signature--Always provide mailto link, date established, and date updated. Make sure the user knows who is putting the information on the web.
   

8. Professionalism--Generally avoid triteness/cuteness, blinking or busy animations, large graphics that load slowly, and "under construction" signs. Be sure to use subtle graphics, especially backgrounds. Make sure the background allows the text to be easily read.

last update: 15 October 2002

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