Web Site Design
- PRINCIPLES -

BRIEF  HISTORY of  the INTERNET and WEB SITE DESIGN.

A quick review of the Internet's history can foster a better understanding of modern Web Design principles:
 

 
INTERNET'S  BIRTH - mid-1990's
 

• Most people became aware of the Internet during the mid-1990's.
   

• Initially, most public Web Sites comprised a few, simple Pages, oriented to selling a product, listing basic contact data, or posting frivolous information.
   

• Web building knowledge was limited and few tools were available to help.
   

• Web Hosting was relatively expensive.
   

• Finding desired content was difficult.

  

 
INTERNET'S  EARLY-YEARS  -  mid-1990's to early-2000's
 

• Public awareness of the Internet and its potential grew.
   

• Organizations recognized the Web's potential to communicate inexpensively.
   

• The United States dominated the Internet.
   

• Most Internet access was by very slow, dial-up connections.
   

• Moving images, sound, and other accoutrements gradually became available.
   

• Web designs were often over-crowded with animations, music, and video.
   

• Public acceptance of these designs was initially favorable - due to their novelty.
   

• The initial Web Business Model implied that everything would be free - supported by Click Revenue from advertisers.
   

• The Internet grew rapidly, doubling in size every few years.

 
INTERNET'S  ADOLESCENCE  -  early 2000's to present
 

• The Internet continued to grow at an ever-increasing pace.
   

• Non-American growth also expanded tremendously, making it truly The Worldwide Web.
   

• Business use of the Web increased, for information, communication, and transactions.
   

• The Click Revenue business model failed to provide sufficient revenue to support all Web services.
   

• Many businesses augmented their routine services with online access;  new "online only" businesses were established.   The demise of "brick and mortar" stores was predicted.
   

• Though Internet augmentation proved profitable, online-only businesses did not replace "brick and mortar" stores, as forecasted.
   

• High-speed access grew as DSL, Cable, Satellite, Wi-Fi, and Mobile G3 Wireless Broadband services became available.
   

• Internet use became more utilitarian and practical;  users preferred Web Sites that gave quick and accurate access to desired information.
   

• Confusing, cluttered, slow-loading Web Pages were increasingly rejected, as were unsolicited music, and over-use of meaningless graphics and animation.
   

• Users favored Professional-level, fast-loading, well-organized, easily understood Web Sites.
   

• A professional Web presence became a requirement for reputable organizations of all types - to provide fast, complete, and user-friendly service.
   

• "Showing well" in Search Engines became more difficult, spawning a growth industry of Search Engine Optimizers.
   

• Spam, Spoofing, Spyware, Viruses, Malware, and Adware proliferated, requiring increased use of Firewalls, Anti-Virus, and Anti-Spyware programs. 

 
INTERNET'S  ADULTHOOD  -  The Future
 

• The Internet will continue to grow at an increasing pace throughout the world.
   

• Multi-media files and services will proliferate.   Access speed will increase.
   

• Designs will have to be carefully crafted to show well in Search Engines.
   

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques will require continual attention.
   

• Content must be updated frequently.
   

• Favored Web Sites will be those that are:  High quality,  Fast Loading,  Efficient,  Content Rich,  Easy and Logical to Use,  and Aesthetically Pleasing.

 

 
WEB SITE DESIGN  PRINCIPLES for TODAY and TOMORROW.

Following are axiomatic principles for modern, effective Web designs:
 

• There is no one formula for Web Design success.
   

• Each design must address its purpose and the interests and preferences of its Target Audience.
   

• Every design must reflect Professionalism.
   

• Objectives must be accomplished understandably, succinctly, and effectively.
   

• "Elegant" - "Efficient" - "Fast" - "Dynamic" and "Comprehensive"  are watchwords for modern Web Sites.

 
COMMENTARY ON  WEB SITE DESIGN PRINCIPLES.

Over the years, printed media developed effective formats for their Target Audiences.   From comic books to the Wall Street Journal™ - publishers mastered successful designs for their purposes, including:  Color Schemes,  Layout,  Writing Style, etc.   Those who designed for their readers - prospered.   Those who didn't - failed.   Following are some elements, common to all successful publications:

• Professionalism - Attention to grammatical content, cogency, and other details.

• Ease of Understanding - Layouts, making it easy to follow an informational thread.  

• Efficiency and Effectiveness - Maximum pertinent information in the smallest space.  

• Aesthetics -  Colors and layout, appropriate to content, appealing to Target Audiences.  

.     .     .     .     .     .

 
BASIC TENETS of Web Site Design.

Even though Web Sites are capable of dynamic presentations,  they must follow the same rules that apply to the printed media.   Ask yourself these questions:
 

 
These Principles Apply Equally to Web Sites.

 
RECOMMENDATIONS ON WEB SITE DESIGN.

T-21's Web Services Division's staff are professionals, with many years of experience.   Their advice includes:

• Web Site Importance.   Concentrate on your Web presentation.   It's often your first point of contact with your clientele, where they form initial, long-lasting impressions.   A "Poor Web Site" = a "Poor Organization."
   

• Design Elements.  Don't adopt a design just because you like it or a Web designer likes it;  design for your Target Audience;   they are the ones who will determine your success.   Here are some tips:

 
T-21 Provides the Highest-Quality Design and
Content for the Lowest Price - Anywhere.