In the article on web site definition and planning rhetorical techniques to consider are described and are useful for every web designer. They reemphasize the point that your goal is to draw an audience to your site. In order to do this however one must recognize the purpose for their website , how to collect and analyze information for that site and how to make the information accessible as well as comprehensive for your readers. Following these points will retain integrity in your site.
In the article web design mistakes, I found it useful to understand why you don’t want to open new browser windows. If one does this they seem to throw to much at the viewer which can turn the reader away from your site. Being consistent with narrow, direct information will keep your web users on track with the information you are presenting. Mentioning other sources or using biographies will enhance your credibility because you are allowing the reader to refer to other texts of information. It is important to avoid advertising techniques which will cause your readers to lose interest in your site. Keep navigation consistent with your goal so you do not divert the reader’s attention.
In Jacob Nielsen’s article font size is considered because it needs to be legible to enhance your web pages. The use of flash to attract readers will only annoy them because it can be a distraction which may cause them to lose interest in the information when writing content for the web, remember it needs to be short and point driven. The ability of your site to answer questions will also make the reader more comfortable with your site. Considering how your photos will pop up when the user clicks can serve to keep their interest but consider photo size and how to present it.
When building your first website keep the backgrounds simple and clutter free to not distract your reader’s attention. Graphics can be useful but as a tool of rhetoric to many or inappropriate ones can cause readers to lose interest in your site. Making your pages linear and clutter free will also attract your readers.
When evaluating the design process it is vital to consider methods and procedures with which you will present your topics on the web. It is important to produce relevant content which will educate your audience. Exchange of information with users to keep them updated and use support lines, customer surveys and interviews. Also, meet expectations of reader by considering questions they will have and by using a navigation system. Layout is important to consider for your design. User involvement will also help your site because they can take a more active role in how information is presented. Understand how the site will perform and make it useful, organizing content so it engages the reader will give your web a higher performance rating. Setting goals is vital because knowing what you want your site to achieve and designing it to make that achievement will entice viewers to revisit your website.
In Scott Burken’s article he brings up a critical idea which is to critique existing ideas among peers in order to lend more credibility. Changes which result from this critique will make the information more useful because the team can decide which direction to take the information. This will allow the web design to be more reader friendly be addressing relevant issues the reader will want to explore.
Understanding the goals of the critique will allow the group to work together instead of by different assumptions. Using resources and making adjustments to your project will prove useful when presenting it on the web to your web viewers. Getting different feedback, comparing different aspects of the project and permitting group members to give feedback from their expertise in an area will strengthen the credibility of what you post because they can add information that the other group members may not have included. When designing a project questions to ask may include what are the scenarios the site is designed for?
