The internet is perhaps the most important IT development of the last few decades. It provides new ways to communicate and share information. It has also revolutionised the way people and businesses use IT.
Businesses can now take part in a global marketplace, widening their scope for potential
customers, all from a local base and with relatively low start-up costs.
The need for good web designers and developers continues to grow as more and more
companies realise they must develop a web presence and keep it maintained and updated.
As web technologies develop, there is an increasing need for websites to be interactive. This allows two-way communication between the user and the website.
The number of websites on the world wide web has increased dramatically and competition is very fierce. This means that designers must employ increasingly sophisticated techniques to capture interest, as well as ensuring that an appropriate company image is presented. Usability issues, such as navigation methods, must be considered carefully. A poorly-designed structure could result in users becoming confused or frustrated and navigating away from the website.
You should begin by evaluating existing websites, in the context of cross-platforms, range of browsers, and design features. Designing websites, which are accessible to all types of users is a fundamental aspect of any website design.
You should also consider the whole process from identification of need, design, implementation, testing, maintenance and review. It is important that you do not just develop skills in specific techniques but are also able to select when and where they are most appropriate, basing this decision on client and user needs. As with any field of IT, a comprehensive understanding of the relevant legislation and guidelines is always fundamental.
Website Design Concepts (PowerPoint 25,712KB)
Activity – Website Design Concepts – Summary (Word 223KB)
Activity – Website Design Concepts – Review Questions (Word 221KB)
Handout – Evaluating Websites – Some Issues to Think About
Handout – Improving Your Website
Handout – Meeting the Client’s Needs
Handout – Principles and Guidelines for Website Design
Web Resources:
Search for:
Top 10 Website Design Tips
Website Design Best Practices
Top 10 Usability Tips
Usability Best Practices
Top 10 Accessibility Tips
Accessibility Best Practices
Top 10 Web Navigation Tips
Web Navigation Best Practices
Morris, T. A. (2012) 7 Web Design Best Practices Checklist – Accessible at: http://terrymorris.net/bestpractices
Morris, T. A. (2012) Universal Design for the Web:
Usability and Accessibilty (Video) – Accessible at: http://terrymorris.net/universaldesign/
Morris, T. A. (2012) Web Safe Color Chart – Accessible at: http://webdevfoundations.net/
Angry Monkeys Pty Ltd (2010) fivesecondtest – Landing page optimisation for your mocks and wireframes – Accessible at: http://www.fivesecondtest.com/
W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (2012) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Overview – Accessible at: http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/wcag.php
Web Standards Project (WaSP) (2012) Web Standards Project (WaSP) – Accessible at: http://www.webstandards.org/
The Web Standards Project is a grassroots coalition fighting for standards which ensure simple, affordable access to web technologies for all.
WebAim (2012) WebAim – Web Accessibility in Mind – Accessible at: http://webaim.org/
Neil, T. (2009) Designing Web Interfaces – Principles and Patterns for Rich Interaction – 6 Tips for a Great Flex UX: Part 5 – Review Usability Best Practices – Accessible at: http://designingwebinterfaces.com/6-t -for-a-great-flex-ux-part-5
Gube, J. (2011) 7 Best Practices for Improving Your Website Usability – Accessible at: http://mashable.com/2011/09/12/website-usability-tips/
Nielsen, J. (2006) F-Shaped Pattern For Reading Web Content – Accessible at: http://www.useit.com/alertbox/reading_pattern.html
Books:
Skjar, J. (2012) “Principles of Web Design” Course Technology, Cengage Learning
Companion website: http://www.joelsklar.com/pwd5/
Scott, B. and Neil, T. (2009) “Designing Web Interfaces – Principles and Patterns for Rich Interaction” O’Reilly Media, Inc. (PDF 37,896KB)
Companion website: http://designingwebinterfaces.com/
Kaiser, S. (2006 ) “Deliver First Class Web Sites: 101 Essential Checklists” SitePoint Pty. Ltd
Kaiser, S. (2006 ) “Deliver First Class Web Sites: 101 Essential Checklists” SitePoint Pty. Ltd – Checklists (PDF 579KB)
Scott, B. and Neil, T. (2009) “Designing Web Interfaces – Principles and Patterns for Rich Interaction” O’Reilly Media, Inc.
Companion website: http://designingwebinterfaces.com/
Duckett, J. (2011) “HTML and CSS – Design and Build Websites” John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Companion website: http://htmlandcssbook.com/about/
Kalbach, J. (2007) “Designing Web Navigation” O’Reilly Media, Inc.
Robbins, J. N. (2007) “Learning Web Design – A Beginner’s Guide to (X)HTML, Style Sheets and Web Graphics” Third Edition
Beaird, J. (2007) “The Principles of Beautiful Web Design” SitePoint Pty. Ltd