1. Web design
or
rules for interface design
Media Develop EU

2. 1. WEB PAGE DESIGN
Web page design is what attracts visitors at
first sight.
But content is what makes them stay on
page.

3. Art vs. Technology
Methods for creating interfaces:
• Artistic;
• Technical.
Can we break the rules ?
Which side shall we choose ?

4. Common mistakes
• Business model – web is not a brochure;
• IT architecture – web site structure and
company structure;
• Web page design – need for preliminary
tests;
• Structuring content – writing in a linear style.

5. Web page design
Useful pixels

6. Rules 1 and 2
• If the design looks better without a certain
element of it, remove the excess item !
• Control every pixel – GUI design (Graphical
User Interface) !

7. Rule 3
Using basic
fonts is a must !

8. Rule 4
The interface must be independent of the
resolution !

9. Rule 5
Quick links, quick downloads !
• Page size – what is it ?
• Conservative use of graphics does not
necessarily mean boring pages !

10. Rule 5

11. Rule 6
Describe clearly and concisely the
hyperlinks !
• Titles of hyperlinks should not exceed 60
characters;
• Do not repeat the anchor and the main
text;
• Hyperlink and background colors should
differ.

12. Rule 7
Use the same set of styles for all of
the pages !
• Do not use more than two fonts;
• Do not use absolute font sizes.

13. Rule 8
Frames and tables – simply NOT !
• Some browser versions cannot display
frames correctly;
• Search engines have trouble with frames
and tables;
• In some browsers it’s difficult to bookmark
frames.

14. Rule 8
Frames and tables – simply NOT !

15. Rule 9
Post only trustworthy information !
• Sophisticated graphic design – first step to
confidence;
• If you use information from users – give
details on how and why you are using it.

16. Rule 10
Printing your web page information –
why not ?
• Make two versions for all your long web
documents;
• Capabilities of the PDF format.

17. Conclusions
• From where are users coming ?
• Interface, independent of the resolution;
• Clear and concise hyperlink description;
• Set of styles;
• No frames;
• Quick links, quick downloads;
• Unconventional interface – where lies the
key?

18. 2. CONTENT DESIGN
The purpose of design is to allow users
see the content.
“Nobody goes to the theater because of
the beautiful costumes” - Jacob Nielsen

19. Rule 11
Write concisely !

20. Rule 12
Check the text for correction !

21. Rules 13 and 14
• Use meaningful, not quotable titles !
• Use ordered and unordered lists or similar
design elements to break the flow of
monotonous text blocks !

22. Rule 15
Enable brief review of the content !
The state of Nebraska is filled with many
internationally renowned attractions, all of which
attract a great number of people every year. The
most visited places in 1996 were Fort Robinson
(355,000 visitors), the national monument Scotts Bluff
(132,166), U.S. History Museum Arbor Lodge (100,000
visitors), Pioneer Settlers Museum Stuhr (60,000 visitors)
and U.S. Historical Park Buffalo Bill Ranch (28,446).

23. Rule 16
Simple language !

24. Rule 17
Readability !

25. Conclusions
• Write concisely;
• Check the text for correction;
• Possibility for brief reviews;
• Break the page;
• Page titles;
• Online help;
• Multimedia;
• Capability for response.

26. Thank you for your attention!
Media Develop EU