Posts Tagged ‘Menus’
Calgary Web Designer Defines Top Ten Web design Usability Issues
Posted by: thatdude in Uncategorized on May 19th, 2010
Whether you have a Calgary Web site or are looking to establish a web presence in Calgary or anywhere else around the globe , you will need to examine these 10 top web design usability issues:
1. Make A Great First Impression
Studies have shown that the human eye generally reads a webpage in an “F” pattern, from top left to right. Therefore, the hottest screen area on your business website is the top left area. Post your critical info there, especially your corporate logo. The only exception to this may be to center the logo in the top area if the logo is symmetrical. Overall, your website needs to create a great first impression and establish confidence and trust in your visitor. Your Web design should not outshine or overwhelm web site content or branding on any page, including the home page.
2. Keep Navigation Clean & Consistent
It is ideal to have consistent and universal navigation on your Web presence . This means having top menu that can access all pages at any time and this menu is “above the fold” – see notes below for that. . This makes it easy for viewers to find the answers they need and also maintains confidence in their experience with your company. Having supporting menus such as breadcrumbs or contextual “previous” and “next” buttons or links to related items will reinforce the web site ’s overall usability. Consistency is critical , and remember that navigation, such as text links and a site map, is also used by search engine robots when indexing your web site pages for their search results.
3. Contact Information
Make it easy for visitors to contact you by displaying your Calgary office address or phone number clearly on all pages of your website , or at least on your key pages. You can also have a contact us page that has more detailed information , such as different branches, key contacts or a contact us form. On today’s websites, it is also popular to see live chat options so a visitor can connect with your staff as they surf!
4. Get Visitors to Act on Something
Even if it is just to lead a visitor to fill out a web form , a website needs a “Call to Action” – this is an action that is defined by a combination of site navigation, content generation and site functionality, including e-commerce processing. What do you want visitors to do on your site? Where do you want them to go? What is the next step once they have found your web site ? Is it to call you? Source a product online or learn something ? Or perhaps pass on information to a co-worker in the form of “send to a friend email” or pre-recorded video.
5. Keeping Above the “Fold Focus”
Keep the key information you NEED them to see in the top area of your Calgary web site, or wherever you are , above the fold, which is the bottom of the browser window, where someone has to scroll down to read more . This is why logos, menus and the main calls to action appear in the top part of the site design – they need to be easy to find and use , without the person having to scroll down the page to find the information . Of course, when detailed information is needed pages can be longer , however, consider using a PDF document for more passive content , as it keeps the actual Web page shorter and more manageable , plus you can brand your PDFs as a source of viral marketing, with Web links back to your site or email . Google and other search engines also index PDFs similar to Web pages, so your PDFs will also turn up in the search engine results.
6. Web Content as a Relationship Builder
A relationship is an ongoing commitment from both sides, it is not a one way street. While the web user on your site is looking for a product or information, your Calgary business is looking for that new customer and the sale they hopefully will bring – and as it has been said, it is so much easier to make a sale to a person who has already bought from you before. So, when I say “offers a return” I mean it’s a return for both sides, the returning customer finds ongoing value in your offers and you retain them as a repeat customer . So keep content timely , updated and consider adding a blog or Content Management System to your Calgary Web site.
7. Keep Content Organized
Organize your site so the visitor can easily flow from one web page to the next. Make sure that information is prioritized in a hierarchy of need (both for them and you) and provide the information or product to them as efficiently as possible. Consider the home page as the portal to the Web site’s key areas and lead the visitor to what you can offer them (e.g. latest deals, latest information package, latest blog entry, etc.) and then give it to them. Ensure that every web page follows a consistent layout for navigation and branding and that the content area is organized in a clean manner so the design elements of the site does not interfere with content delivery.
8. Looks Do Matter
A website ’s impression is made not only by what is included in the web site, but what is left out. Bypass banner ads, third party advertising, non-interactive flash media and overwhelming colour schemes that blatantly fight for the visitor’s attention. Your viewers are generally looking for one thing on your site, so make it easy to find by keeping the overall web structure and design layout of the site simple, clean and direct.
9. Trust & Security
With billions of Web pages online these days, your web traffic needs to know , more than ever, that they can trust their valuable time and money to what your site has to offer . Get security seals and trusted third party endorsements, a 256-bit SSL Certificate tells your visitor that you have planned to secure your Calgary web site properly. However, there are subtle, yet effective, ways to show your visitor that they can trust your site: include properly written privacy policy, terms of use, shipping and returns policy, Unique, secure login areas , state clearly you will never sell or share their information with a third party unless they agree and only send emails to them at realistic intervals, making sure every email sent is justifable of their time and energy . A sure way to ensure trust is to have your Cochrane or Calgary Web site professionally developed as this shows you have invested your own time and money in something you feel is worthwhile to others .
10. Polish to a Shine
Errors happen, it is technology after all, and while we all want to believe that technology can deliver 100%, 24/7 – is that reality? The reality is knowing that accidents happen , temporary glitches can happen and once in a while upgrades need to be made . The reality of the Web is that technology has to keep expanding and those tools made to make your life easier do take efforts to learn . As technology progresses we must be prepared to update, upgrade and expand along with it . By fixing even simple errors such as broken links (this requires ongoing maintenance), spelling errors, broken image links , browser inconsistencies , etc. you can present a well-polished gem to your website visitor , which will return the investment in maintenance in its visual appeal, optimum functionality and delivery of relevant, needed content.
Please consider the above 10 key points to improve your existing web presence or if you are looking to start a new Calgary Web design project .
For more information about Calgary Web Design and Calgary Graphic Design Services, please visit www.blinddrop.com.
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website design northern california
Posted by: admin in Uncategorized on May 1st, 2010
When it comes to your website design, never compromise efficiency for a beautiful design. The most common mistake of amateur and even professional designers is the belief that visitors need to be entertained with dazzling displays and fancy visual experiences.
Follow these basic rules for website design when creating your site and you can be assured of an optimally designed website you can be proud of.
1) Splash pages are a no-no
The first pages of a website that consists of dazzling fancy displays are the splash pages. They normally have a very beautiful image with words like ‘welcome’ or ‘click here to enter’. These are merely distractions that can divert attention away from the purpose of your website. Visitors will be more likely to leave your first page without waiting for the exceptionally slow loading time due to the heavy graphics used.
2) Do not use too many banner if you want to keep your visitors
When banners are displayed on a web page, they are usually right at the top but can frequently be seen located elsewhere, including the foot of the page also. Blatant ads such as banners tend to be regarded as being less credible and it is a total waste of website space Web surfers tend to ignore such banner ads so adding them would only mean a waste of virtual real estate space. The best way to utilize web space would be to use good contents and weave your affiliate links into them so that the users would not feel coerced into buying.
3) All navigational systems should be easy
Navigation must be simple so that even a small child can use. Do not use any form of menus that will complicate users, drop downs and multi-tiers are not a good idea. If your visitors don’t know how to navigate, they will leave your site. The creation of a site map that will help visitors find what they need should be one of the first things you consider as part of your website design.
4) There should be a clear indicator showing where the user is currently on the website
Give them a clear view of where they are now and how to get to where they want to be. With this map, they can directly head to the information they are looking for.
When each link that has been visited is marked in some way form the ones that are fresh, visitors can easily know which is fresh and which is fresh and which is not. If you confuse your visitors in any way they will leave.
5) Audios are a bad idea
To make your visitors stay longer, avoid the use of excessive music. A sound file should not be played continuously it can be irritating on the user. Using audios may not always be a good idea, if you have to include them be sure to allow for some form of user control such as volume or muting ability. If you diligently apply these website design tips, you will be rewarded with retuning visitors again and again to your website.
Technorati Tags: web content development, michigan small business web design, web page design company
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scottsdale web design company
Posted by: admin in Uncategorized on April 14th, 2010
The number one rule of any website design is this-make sure that it performs optimally under all conditions. One very common occurrence in many websites owned by amateurs is the use of fancy graphic works that need a very long time to load them.
Follow these basic rules for website design when creating your site and you can be assured of an optimally designed website you can be proud of.
1) Whenever you can, do not include splash pages
Splash pages are dazzling fancy pages you often see when you first arrive at a website. These pages use elaborate designs created with the purpose to entertain the visitor with fancy animations, brilliant photos and include welcoming words such as ‘hello’ ‘welcome’ or ‘click here to enter our website’. In fact, they are just a ‘pretty vase’ that serves no real purpose. Visitors will be more likely to leave your first page without waiting for the exceptionally slow loading time due to the heavy graphics used.
2) Do not overuse banner advertisements
These are usually large adverts placed at the top of the web page but can also be at the bottom too. Blatant ads such as banners tend to be regarded as being less credible and it is a total waste of website space Web surfers tend to ignore such banner ads so adding them would only mean a waste of virtual real estate space. The best way to utilize web space would be to use good contents and weave your affiliate links into them so that the users would not feel coerced into buying.
3) Keep it simple
Keep navigation simple so that the youngest user can use it. Do not use any form of menus that will complicate users, drop downs and multi-tiers are not a good idea. There are so many websites competing for attention, if your menus make it difficult for them, they will leave. A site map will help them find what they want and should be factored in to the website design right from the start.
4) There needs to be a clear indicator where the user is on the website
Give them a clear view of where they are now and how to get to where they want to be. With this map, they can directly head to the information they are looking for. Ensure every page of your website has its title and a tracking system is used to allow visitors to see where they have been and where they are. If you confuse your visitors in any way they will leave.
5) Reconsider the necessity to include audio in the website
Your favorite tune may be repulsive to some visitors, so use music sparingly. The sounds when added can enhance an experience, but when played over and over gain it can start to be irritating.
When adding audio to your website, make sure to include some form of user control that allows them to mute or lower the sound as required. When you use all this website design information, you will find that your visitors will return again and again to your site.
Technorati Tags: how to design a web site, ohio website design, design a good web page
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farm website design
Posted by: admin in Uncategorized on March 24th, 2010
You need to pay attention to ensure every minute detail in your website design is observed to ensure peak performance of your site. Most amateurs and professional webmasters belief that the more visual and audio aids they use on their website, which means slower loading time, the better it is for the visitor, when it isn’t so.
There are five website design rules you can follow to help you build that optimal performance website that rocks.
1) For whatever reasons you may have, resist the temptation to include splash pages
These are fancy pages you will see when you click on to a link to visit a website. These are elaborately fancy pages with lavish designs and images along with words such as ‘welcome to our website’ usually, they are pages of elaborate graphics that includes words such as ‘welcome’ or ‘click here to enter the site’. In fact, they are just a ‘pretty vase’ that serves no real purpose. The slow loading time often gives extra incentive for visitors to click on the back button in frustration.
2) Keep banner advertisement minimum.
Normally you will find these at the top of the web page where they will be advertising something (not always related to the site) but sometimes they will be elsewhere on the page as well. Adding banner ads are actually futile efforts to maximize the use of your website as space research shows that people tend to ignore such advertisements. Instead, provide more valuable content and weave relevant affiliate links into your content, and let your visitors feel that they want to buy instead of being coerced.
3) The best sites are easy to navigate
The best navigation would one that a young child can understand. Do not use any form of menus that will complicate users, drop downs and multi-tiers are not a good idea. Remember, if users find it hard to navigate, they will leave very soon after landing on your home page. Your website design should include the construction a sitemap that will make it easy for them to find what they want.
4) Make it easy for the user to know exactly where he is on the site
You will want to help your users feel in control by giving them a clear view of where they are at your website.
This way, they can easily navigate the exact section they want. This can be achieved by making sure that each page has its own title and some form of trail that shows them which links they have been to and which is new for them. Any type of confusion drives your visitors away.
5) Think carefully before you insert audio in your pages
Your favorite tune may be repulsive to some visitors, so use music sparingly. A sound file should not be played continuously it can be irritating on the user. If adding audios seems like a good idea to you, do make sure you provide some form of control such as muting or volume control so that your visitors can adapt to their surroundings. When you use all this website design information, you will find that your visitors will return again and again to your site.
Technorati Tags: small business web development firm, the early development of the web, crains web development department
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web design and hosting
Posted by: admin in Uncategorized on February 27th, 2010
When it comes to your website design, never compromise efficiency for a beautiful design. One very common occurrence in many websites owned by amateurs is the use of fancy graphic works that need a very long time to load them.
Here are some tips to help with your website design projects in the future.
1) Do not come up with an excuse to use a splash page
Splash pages makes up the first impression people have of a website. These pages use elaborate designs created with the purpose to entertain the visitor with fancy animations, brilliant photos and include welcoming words such as ‘hello’ ‘welcome’ or ‘click here to enter our website’. The unfortunate thing is splash pages actually takes away attention from the real purpose of the website, and often frustrates users with their slow loading time. Visitors will be more likely to leave your first page without waiting for the exceptionally slow loading time due to the heavy graphics used.
2) Always keep banner advertisements at a minimum level
These are usually large adverts placed at the top of the web page but can also be at the bottom too. Even the least net savvy people have trained themselves to ignore banner advertisements so you will be wasting valuable space. The best way to utilize web space would be to use good contents and weave your affiliate links into them so that the users would not feel coerced into buying.
3) Keep a simple and clear navigation
Navigation should be made very simple so that even a young child can understand. Leave out any form of complicated menu that is flash based or the use of multi-tiered menu: they only add to complicate the layout. There are so many websites competing for attention, if your menus make it difficult for them, they will leave. The creation of a site map that will help visitors find what they need should be one of the first things you consider as part of your website design.
4) Make it clear where the user is at the moment
When visitors are deeply engrossed in browsing your site, you will want to make sure they know which part of the site they are in at that moment. With this map, they can directly head to the information they are looking for. Make sure that every page has its own title and that some form of breadcrumb trail is used to track the visitors step throughout the entire website. Never confuse your visitors because you will lose them very quickly as they become frustrated.
5) Think carefully before you insert audio in your pages
If you want your visitors to stay a long time and read the contents, do not irritate em with your audio. Whenever you decide to use sound, be sure not to let it loop continuously because this a huge cause of irritation to people browsing sites. Adding audios may seem cool but provide some form of user control such as muting ability or volume control so that your visitors can adjust accordingly. If you diligently apply these website design tips, you will be rewarded with retuning visitors again and again to your website.
Technorati Tags: website design and database best price palm beach county, web design company, free web sites development
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web page design for dummies
Posted by: admin in Uncategorized on February 13th, 2010
The most important thing in a website design is to ensure that it does what it was designed to do.
The biggest mistake one can make when designing a website is to include too many fancy graphic works and flash files that needs endless minutes loading them for display.
Let us discuss what makes up a good website design.
1) Don’t use splash pages.
The splash pages are the fancy pages you see when you enter a website. These are elaborately fancy pages with lavish designs and images along with words such as ‘welcome to our website’ usually, they are pages of elaborate graphics that includes words such as ‘welcome’ or ‘click here to enter the site’. These are merely distractions that can divert attention away from the purpose of your website. Do not let your visitors have a reason to click on the ‘back’ button!
2) Overuse of banner advertisements is a big mistake
Although these can be at the foot of a web page, adverts like this are primarily placed right at the top of the page in what is called the ‘header’. Adding banner ads are actually futile efforts to maximize the use of your website as space research shows that people tend to ignore such advertisements. The best way to utilize web space would be to use good contents and weave your affiliate links into them so that the users would not feel coerced into buying.
3) Maintain a simple and clear navigation
Navigation should be made very simple so that even a young child can understand. Do not use any form of menus that will complicate users, drop downs and multi-tiers are not a good idea. Any form of complicated navigation will cause them to leave your site for good. Have a sitemap added to the website design to help them find what they are looking for.
4) There should be a clear indicator showing where the user is currently on the website
You will need to have a sitemap to facilitate the user to be in control. This map will help them get to where they want to be without wasting too much time.
When each link that has been visited is marked in some way form the ones that are fresh, visitors can easily know which is fresh and which is fresh and which is not. If you create any form of confusion, you will drive the visitors away.
5) Audios are a bad idea
To make your visitors stay longer, avoid the use of excessive music. A sound file should not be played continuously it can be irritating on the user. If adding audios seems like a good idea to you, do make sure you provide some form of control such as muting or volume control so that your visitors can adapt to their surroundings. If you wish for the visitors to return to your site, learn to apply all these website design rules and you can reap the benefits of long term traffic.
Technorati Tags: michigan web design, medical website design, web site design tools
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southeast michigan web development
Posted by: admin in Uncategorized on February 10th, 2010
One can never justify the lack of performance when visiting a web page just because the website design is beautiful. It is a common mistake among many amateurs webmaster to include too many visual elements in order to entertain the website visitors.
Here are some tips to help with your website design projects in the future.
1) Try to avoid using splash pages
Splash pages are the first pages you see when you arrive at a website. Made up of pretty designs, they are usually lavish images and graphics with accompanying words such as ‘welcome to our site’ or ‘click here to enter’. The unfortunate thing is splash pages actually takes away attention from the real purpose of the website, and often frustrates users with their slow loading time. Visitors will be more likely to leave your first page without waiting for the exceptionally slow loading time due to the heavy graphics used.
2) Be careful using banners
These are usually large adverts placed at the top of the web page but can also be at the bottom too. Even the least net savvy people have trained themselves to ignore banner advertisements so you will be wasting valuable space. Instead add useful contents and add your affiliate links skillfully into the body of the text so that it would seem like a natural part of your text and not an advertisement.
3) The best sites are always easy to navigate
Navigation must be simple so that even a small child can use. Do not use any form of menus that will complicate users, drop downs and multi-tiers are not a good idea. There are so many websites competing for attention, if your menus make it difficult for them, they will leave. Your website design should include the construction a sitemap that will make it easy for them to find what they want.
4) Make it clear where the user is at the moment
When visitors are deeply engrossed in browsing your site, you will want to make sure they know which part of the site they are in at that moment.
This way, they can easily navigate the exact section they want. This can be achieved by making sure that each page has its own title and some form of trail that shows them which links they have been to and which is new for them. Don’t confuse your visitors because confusion means they will leave!
5) Audios are counterproductive
If your visitor is going to stay a long time at your site, reading your content, you will want to make sure they’re not annoyed by some audio looping on and on at your website. The sounds when added can enhance an experience, but when played over and over gain it can start to be irritating. Adding audios may seem cool but provide some form of user control such as muting ability or volume control so that your visitors can adjust accordingly. When you use all this website design information, you will find that your visitors will return again and again to your site.
Technorati Tags: dallas website design, small business website design, web design cincinnati ohio
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