The key to a great web site is simplicity. Newbies often make the mistake of cluttering the page with every element they can think of of to get the users attention. Following the the "less is more" mantra will always guarantee a pleasant user experience. Here are a few "do's" and "don't's" to for designing a stellar website. Good luck!
Do’s
- Create an easy to use navigation structure. Important information should never be more than 2 clicks away.
- Use CSS to organize content and layout the page.
- Keep backgrounds simple.The background should never compete with the content of the page for the users attention.
- Contrast is important. Select text colors that contrast well with the background and are easy to see and read.
- Test the site in mulitiple browsers. Make sure the site displays correctly in other browsers.
- Typos are a no no. Check your spelling.
- Make sure all information is up to date.Out-of date information gives a bad impression.
- Enter site option. If you have splash page or intro, make sure to include a skip or enter site button. Give the user the option to go to your site immediatley. Remember a user will decide within a few seconds if they want to exlpore your site or move on.
Dont’s
- Avoid animations that are constantly running. They can be very distracting.
- Avoid animated backgrounds.
- Avoid color schemes that hard on the eyes. Avoid colors that clash like red on green or green on red.
- Make sure the text color does not clash with the background.
- Avoid Links to nowhere. Make sure all links work.
- Do not design pages using in frames. Frames are not supported by many browers.
- Avoid music non-stop. If you choose to have music playing in the background make sure it appropriate for you site and make sure the music can be turned down or off.
- Don’t use fake warning messages.There are other ways to get the users attention.
- Ad overload. Don't over do it on ads. Too many ads are distracting.