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Web-site design tips

by Matthew Adams

There are a few design tips that might be worth considering for a web-site. These can relate to the structure or features that may be included on a web-site, which could be of benefit.

Web-publishing software like Dreamweaver is recommended. This software will include a good number of options to assist with web-design.

To begin, consider the overall site structure. If a web-site will have a good number of pages, then navigation options and links will need to be included. For this, frames can be good to sub-divide web-sites. As an alternative, tables can actually be more streamlined than frames. Be sure that the home page will include links to most parts of the web-site.

The home page should be the starting page. Here, a web-site heading will usually be included on the home page. In addition, as stated, links to other pages perhaps via an index of some sort (or a site map). At any rate, the home page is one page to give the most consideration.

Consider the text formatting as well. Sub-headings are good to include in pages, with italics & bold alongside variable font options and size. Set down some guidelines here, relating to fonts and sizes for headings. Keep the site headings structured and consistent.

To add functionality to a web-site, then perhaps consider using Java-script. Java is coding that can add clocks, tickers or scrolling text for example. There are web-sites, which provide snippets of Java code that you can add to a site. Consider http://javascript.internet.com for such code.

Alternatively, there is also animation software like Flash. This can be used to add web-site animations. There is a 30-day trial version, www.macromedia.com.

When adding pictures, consider the file formats. The best to use for a web-site are JPEG or GIF. These more compressed formats allow more pictures to be added.

You may also perhaps consider thumbnails. Really, thumbnails are minimized pictures on the web-site, which can then be enlarged. Again, you will be able to add more with thumbnails.

A final tip, do make use of browser previews for a web-site. These display a preview of the site, as in a web browser.

So overall, pay attention to the site structure & navigation. In addition, other details such as fonts, headings and additional features that may be included. For further details on web-site design, you will likely find material on the Web. Here are a few links of note:

www.gifs.net

www.animfactory.com

www.webdeveloper.com

www.ineasysteps.com

Sources: Creating Web Pages

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA