Content
The content of a Web page is the most important aspect of it. All other steps and techniques involved in Web design and development are ultimately aimed at serving the content, presenting it to best effect. The content of your Web page is the reason people will visit it, so it's vital to ensure it is created to a high standard.
For text content, an effective page will only include well written language. For the purposes of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) your content needs to be structured to perform well in the search engine listings for the key phrases potential visitors will be searching for. Regularly updating page content also helps with SEO performance.
Media
Depending on the purpose of your Web page, you may wish to include multiple different media types, including text, data, images, video, audio and interactive animations using Flash or JavaScript. In a successful Web page, the media items will be selectively chosen to suit the aims of the site. While people now expect a good level of sophistication and engagement with a website, it's also important not to overwhelm your visitors with too much media content or to distract them from their purpose in visiting your site.
Navigation
Navigation in Web design operates both at the level of the website as a whole and within the individual pages. If you have a long page with lots of information and sections within it, you can use HTML anchors to provide shortcuts to these areas, allowing users to focus on those elements they are most interested in. Within an entire site, clear and simple navigation structures using menu elements allow users to achieve their goals quickly and effectively.
Style
Most websites use a combination of HTML, CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) code and images to create an effective visual design. The visual design of a successful Web page will be focused on presenting the content to users, in a way that encourages them to carry out whatever tasks you want them to, while they're on your page. Many developers create design mock-ups using graphic design programs before implementing these in Web page markup and style code.
Interaction
Web pages are not static objects like paper documents. Users expect to be able to interact with a Web page, using their mouse and keyboard. If you are tailoring your website to mobile users you may also need to handle interaction using touchscreen components. Many website elements can be interactive, including user controls such as buttons and menus. Interaction within a successful Web page will also be tailored to website aims, often implemented using JavaScript code.
Links:
- Top 10 Mistakes in Web Design (Jakob Nielsen's Alertbox)
- Usability 101: Definition and Fundamentals - What, Why, How (Jakob Nielsen's Alertbox)
- Web Design Tips - Entheos
- 10 Principles Of Effective Web Design - Smashing Magazine
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