TEmelie – web design blog

Graphics
1. Smaller is better if you refer to images posted on the Web. In this case 10-12 kB are more than enough. There is nothing more upsetting than a slow page and the main reason for this phenomenon is represented by the huge images people tend to post on there Web pages. According to different sources, the number of broadband users is going up, but slow pages continue to be nuisance even if you’re on a T1.
2. An important thing to consider is the way your graphics mix with the content. For instance don’t post photos of your pet just because you think it’s Gods gift to you. I can underline enough the importance of using graphics that fit the content. Then again every definition has an exception, so naturally this “rule” has one to, as follows: “design” images are the only kind of graphics (for example photos) that should be used on a Web page without having a direct link with the content. This photos or graphics are usually employed when trying to create a great design which means that they are not meant to illustrate the content.
3. Use only normal images. If a photo is flashing or blinking or moving around or popping all over the place, don’t use it. In fact if an image is doing anything a normal image isn’t suppose to do, then don’t make it a part of your Web page. I’m telling you this because a number of studies have shown that browsers will go to extreme lengths in order to eliminate this source of constant stress. One person even covered up the part of the monitor displaying this king of flashy graphics with a sheet of paper. If you absolutely have to use such graphics, do it with extreme prejudice.
4. Standard layouts are the best. Have you ever seen pages that use 6, 7 or even 8 different frames? I’m sure I’m not speaking only for myself when I say that they drive me insane. If you’re thinking of using layouts which for example make you scroll to the right in order to read the whole line, then my friends, think again. They might seem cute or fun to create but they are a sure way to make people stop viewing your page. There is a reason the classic 3-column layout is so popular: it works. It may be boring but it’s easier to use and readers find it to be more viewer friendly.
5. White space- is it really nothing there? I have only one thing to say related to this matter: if you can see it on your monitor it counts in the overall design of the page.
6. Graphics are an important part of your layout. Use them right and graphics can become an essential part of your layout. An extreme example is wrapping text around a photo, so treat each and every single image on your page as a layout element.

Fonts
7. Serif vs. Non-Serif. As opposed to normal paper printing, the web is not a friendly enviroment for Serif fonts. Due to the low monitor resolution the serifs tend to blur up an become very difficult to read (not to mention irritating: who wants to waste time deciphering text in order to understand just what the hell it’s all about). On the other hand Sans-Serif fonts are easier to read so the way to go is: serif for headlines and sans-serif for text.

8. Different fonts. Nothing says amateur like changing your font over and over again. Try not to get carried away and limit the usage of fonts to a minimum of 2 or 3 in order to preserve a more professional attitude.

9. Standard font families. The chances are that if you use a font such as “Rockwood LT Standard” most of your readers won’t be able to read your page. Let’s be serious: what are the odds of someone having a font like this installed? Use fonts like Verdana, Geneva, Arial or Helvetica and you will be just fine. Your pages will look better and your designs will right on more browsers.
Advertising
10. Forget the cash. Readers aren’t interested in the ads on your site. Remember that. They don’t visit your site in order to get bombarded with adverts. Although you need to make money be cautious because a page overflowing with ads will determine people not to visit it again so the ultimate goal of making money will be defeated and you’ll lose more than you gain.

11. Ads are normal images. The same rules presented for graphics apply to ads. Keep them small, simple and relevant. If the ad is relevant to your content people will tend to click on in and leave your Web page. Just because you can have an ad on your page doesn’t mean that you should.
Readers make the difference

12. Browser testing is crucial because a page that runs only on the most recent versions of browsers is stupid and annoying thing so make sure your page can be viewed from older versions of browsers.

13. Operating systems are subject to the same rules as browsers. Don’t think for a second that IE5.0 for Windows is the same as IE5.0 for Macintosh.
14. Readers dictate. Unless you’re writing only for yourself (which kind of defeats the whole purpose of posting a Web page on the net) cover in your Web page the topics readers are interested in.

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