building better web sites
TRANSCRIPT
Building Better Web Sitesweaving your web
Shane [email protected]
PPL Computer Training SpecialistCaptain Blog
Stephanie [email protected]
PPL Web WeaverWellness Well-doer . . .
Evaluate your Audience
What are your patrons looking for?
Are there special groups to target?
Surveys
Technically speaking . . .
Use XHTML with CSS Use include files for
repeating items Analyze stats with
counters like W3
Browsers
Resolutions
Decide on fluid or fixed width
Fluid
Fixed
Organize . . . logically
list all topics on current Web site
outline and group items
create categories
Organize . . . visually
clear, consistent layout
use color purposefully use images sparingly,
avoid clutter find royalty-free
images morguefile.com Photos.com
Ugly sites Phillips Designs
The CSI Companies
Brita
It’s a mystery . . .
Usability = ease of use
Organize . . . practically
think like a patron, not like a librarian
use clear, simple navigation
make page headings consistent with navigation
make your information accessible
Usability
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Other tools
Eye-tracking
Eye-tracking
Eye-tracking
Eye-tracking on Google search results
Organize . . . for search engines
use clear, specific page titles in TITLE BAR
use strong H1suse keyword rich meta-tags
and fresh content
Web 2.0 can feel like tangled mess
User Organization
GoogleGoogleTagging Tagging Social bookmarking like Social bookmarking like del.icio.usRSS FeedingRSS FeedingBadgesBadges
Challenges
Who will provide content?
Who will support financially and technically?
Sometimes it's better to do less better, than do more, less effectively.
Blogs
Archives old posts automatically
Commenting area
Tagging
Blog vs. SitePositives
Blog vs. Site Positives
Blog Easy to use Many times free Easily adaptive to
many needs Multiple editors Fresh content more
manageable Tagging
Web site Unlimited space Free reign Imagination (or your
support person) is the only barrier
No design constraints
Blog vs. SiteNegatives
Blog vs. Site Negatives
Blog Limited design Not always local Limited space
Web site Expensive Need design skills Need software,
Dreamweaver
View many sites
It's a lonely place . . .
…or not!
Biblio
Old advertisements from Plan 59Eye tracking from useit.com/eyetracking in case you're up for a challenge, the guy
on the mountain offers classesFree counters from w3counter.com
Building Better Website links