NDSU Master Internet Volunteer Program Web Design

Designing for the Web

Designing for the World Wide Web is a matter of organizing information effectively to enable your message to be easily understood by readers. Web pages should allow readers to find the information they are looking for without getting lost. They should be readable and easy to navigate. A confused or frustrated user will not return to your web site.

The web is still closer to print than it is to broadcasting, but the traditional linear story doesn't work as well on the World Wide Web. Try to find new ways of telling your story. Break it into small, easy-to-read pieces that can stand alone. You can always link to more in-depth information. The user can choose whether or not to read it.

There is no typical web user. Everyone from the techies with the latest version of everything and T-1 lines to those accessing on a modem with a grayscale monitor use the web. There are even computers that read text aloud for those with disabilities. It's important to make your site accessible to your audience. Always err on the side of the low-end user.

And remember that speed is everything on the web. The following design tips will help you create files that will load fast and be easy to read.

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The Master Internet Volunteer Program was developed by the University of Minnesota Extension Service and was adapted for use in North Dakota with permission.

North Dakota State University Extension Service