This is the 2nd in the sequence for the techie and non-technical person to design a ‘good’ website always depends on some basic concepts, see here for the first. This list of ‘best practice’ ideas are easy to implement and test when designing a new site or refreshing an existing one.
Colour, Graphics & Multimedia
- Colour scheme should be limited to no more than 3 or 4 colours plus neutrals.
- Colour is used consistently, especially text colour has sufficient contrast with background colour.
- Ensure use of colour and graphics enhances rather than distracts from the site.Images and graphics are optimised and do not significantly slow download.
- Ensure to use image tags for the alt attribute to configure an alternate text description.
- Animated images do not distract from the site and do not endlessly repeat.
- Every audio, video or Flash file used serves a clear purpose, with the multimedia files used enhance rather than distract from the site.
- Captions are provided for each audio or video file used.
- Download times for audio or video files are indicated, with links to download for media plug-ins provided.
Content Presentation
- Common fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman are used; with no more than one web font is used.
- Fonts, font sizes, and font colours are used consistently throughout the site.
- Ensure techniques of writing for the Web are used: headings, bullet points, brief paragraphs.
- Content provides meaningful, useful information and is organised in a consistent manner.
- Information is easy to find (minimal clicks).
- The date of the last revision and/or copyright date are accurate, and content does not include outdated material.
- Content is free of typographical and grammatical errors, providing links to other useful sites.
- Hyperlinks use a consistent set of colours to indicate visited & non visited status.
- If graphics are used to convey meaning, the alternate text equivalent is provided.
That’s my take on best practice for web site design; more will be coming next post – what’s yours? Post a comment or drop me a note by email.