Web Site Design & Development...
1. The overall graphic look of a web page, just as in a magazine ad, is the first thing people see.
a. Second is photos and illustrations.
b. Next is copy done in a way to stand out from the body text such as headlines and photo captions.
c. Last is the body text.
2. Ideally you want to create images that will be interesting, and will convey what you want to communicate. You need images that will work with your copy.
3. Plan your site with a clear goal in mind - what information do you need to convey?What do you want to accomplish with your site?
4. Is it to be benefits or features oriented? - How will it engage the viewer? - Will it make them want to come back often to see what new products or services you have to offer them?
5. Do you want to look professional like a larger company that's been in business for a while, and will be in business when it comes to delivering the goods? Or do you want to look like a do-it-yourself, personal site?
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS:
A Designer, Graphic or Web, Solves Communication Problems.
ORGANIZATION of items on the page (Text-Photos-Illustration, etc.)
* Interesting
* Easy to Follow & Understand
* Spacing of items & use of white space or negative space
* Use of Color & Background
USE OF PHOTOS
* Quality of Color
* Quality of Scans
* Quality of Focus
* Cropping
* Is the photo a good candidate for an interesting technique or Montage
USE OF TEXT
* Designers develop a style guide to be consistent
* Type Size & Leading
* Color
* Type as a Graphic File
* Reverses
* Fonts
* Link Identification
* Indented Lists, etc.
USE OF ILLUSTRATIONS
* Technical Drawings
* Anythings else that isn't depicted well in a photo
INTANGIBLES
* A Designer outside of your company can view your business as a new prospective client might
* You can organize your thought about your site by explaining them to a designer
* Overall Image conveyed by all of the above
* Sterile, Clinical, Medical, Professional vs warm, fuzzy, counselor vs Industrial, Manufacturing
Up to now, these Design Considerations were the same for print and web work.
These are pertinent to the web:
* Simple, Easy way for viewer to get the information by Balancing Special Effects (ie. Shockwave) with ease of use
* JavaScript, Shockwave, etc all have their benefits if used for a purpose
* Do you need a Computer Programer to merge your web site ordering with your in-house inventory?
* Do you need someone who has experience with connumicating a client's message?
* A Web Designer/Developer knows how to use the software on their ISP's server to create interactivity.
* Designers Design Web Sites with the Search Engines in Mind!
* Build in Marketing Considerations!
*** BE AS ORGANIZED AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND AS POSSIBLE!*** And be brief! Provide the information in a way that the viewer can get a glimpse of what you are saying quickly. Then if they want to know more, they can go deeper into your site.
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