Organization:

Although there are many style manuals being written on how web documents should be designed, there is really no "correct" style.  Style manuals help to formalize document design, however, it is more important for each author to come up with their own standards.  Continuity and consistency should be the goal of any set of standards.

For those new to creating web documents, there are some basic design considerations which should be held to.
 

• Utilize an organizational method and writing style for your site which is familiar to your primary audience.  Use the language and vocabulary of your users.

 
• Prevent users from getting confused or frustrated by limiting your Home Page in size.  Include a few primary items on the home page which encourage further exploration of your site.

 
• Each web page should be able to stand on its own.  Try to limit each page to one concept or idea. Organize the page for quick scanning.  Annotate any lists of resources so the user knows what to expect when the link is followed.

 
• While the use of images enhances the visual presentation, balance aesthetics with functionality.  Place an emphasis on providing quality information for your users and limit the use of in-line images as much as possible.

 
• When providing access to large images, provide the user with a thumbnail image which links to the larger image.  Provide the user with information about the size of the image as well as the file format.  Use the <ALT> tag when a great number of images are being used. <ALT> provides text as an alternative to the graphics for display in text-only environments.

 
• PDF files can be highlighted using the PDF icon to the left.  Information about file size should also be provided so the patron can estimate how long it would take to download.

 
• Try not to design documents based on what they look like using a particular browser.  Allow as many users as possible to access your information - regardless of which browsee they are using.  Don't rely heavily on emphasizing text with italics, bolds, or capital letters.

 
• Limit the use of new HTML tags.  Since HTML itself is changing every 6 to 12 months, it can become very time consuming to keep up with the changes.  While HTML version 4.0 has been recommended, some web browsers do not support HTML 4.0 tags.  In fact, stay behind the browser curve and do not implement all the neat HTML features right away.

 
• A consistent look and feel of the web pages can help to establish a site's identity.  Develop templates which are used when adding new pages onto your site.

 
• Provide an e-mail address for users to contact with any questions of concerns.

 
• Ensure usability by utilizing navigational landmarks within a sites documents.  Use consistent navigational elements, such as a link back to the home page, so users can move smoothly through the site.

 
• Point to the software pieces your patrons may need to use your site.  If you have audio and video components, then point them to a web site where they can download appropriate viewers.

 
• Give a lot of thought to the road map of your site and how its different elements are linked. How is this navigational information conveyed to the user?

 
• Give some thought to where you are going to store your files on the web server.  Should graphics go in a folder separate from html files?

 
• After visiting your site, a browser should be able draw a simple diagram showing how the different elements are connected and how you get from one place to another.

 
• People will come to your site looking for a specific piece of information and you need to make things clear for them.

 
• Make it easy for a visitor to figure out how to navigate your site. A visitor needs to know if they have seen everything they need to see at your site. Make it easy for a visitor to determine what is new and when things were changed.

 
• A site that is difficult to navigate will also be difficult to maintain.