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Website Design Checklist We've developed this comprehensive list of design criteria to help you get a more objective feel for design practices that are vital for an effectively presented website. Appearance Visual appeal is nearly always influenced to some degree by personal preference. However, there are specific design qualities that can be evaluated: Is the page layout and use of color, fonts, and images consistent throughout the site? Are there less than three fonts used in the design? Are there a moderate number of colors used in the design? Is the design appropriate for the purpose of the site and for the intended audience? Will the design appeal to the target audience? Is the page layout balanced, clean, and uncluttered? Are the graphics appropriate and relevant to the content of the site? Are your eyes directed to the content or important page elements? Are the color combinations pleasing and appropriate for the site's purpose? Is the text clearly legible? At an 800x600 resolution, is important content (such as navigation, search boxes, site and page identification) visible without scrolling? Is copyright and contact information easily located? Is the page short enough that it doesn't require a great deal of vertical scrolling? (Especially important on the front page of the site.) Is the purpose of the site (and each page within it) immediately clear? Structure and Navigation Is the content of the site logically organized? Is navigation located in the same place on each page of the site? Is the navigation clearly recognizable as navigation? Are all links clearly labeled and their destination obvious? Is the navigation simple to understand and use? Is the use of the browser back button unnecessary (no dead end pages)? If icons or other images are used for navigation, is their meaning clear? If icons or other images are used for navigation, are text links also provided? Is the purpose of each page easily identified? Is any essential information directly linked to in the navigation system (for instance, a contact page)? Can users get to information with a minimal number of clicks (a good rule of thumb is no more than 3 clicks)? Does the navigation allow the user to easily backtrack or return to upper levels in the site? Is there an obvious method of navigating between related pages on the site? Is there an obvious method of navigating between different sections of the site? Content Does the content reflect the purpose of the site? Is the content appropriate for the intended audience? Is the content sufficient to meet user needs and expectations? Is text content free from spelling, grammatical, and typographical errors? Are short sentences, short paragraphs, headings, and bulleted lists used so that the content can be easily scanned? Are lines of text too long to be easily read? Is information correct and current? Can specific content be easily found? For sites with large amounts of information, is a search function available? Usability Is the site cross-browser and cross-platform compatible? (At a minimum, does the site work for users of both IE and Netscape browsers, using either Mac or Windows operating systems?) Can the site be viewed without unintended horizontal scrolling at the most common resolution? (Currently, 800x600 is the most common resolution.) Are form fields arranged in a logical order? Are all components of the site functional? (Links, forms, scripts, etc.) Is information concerning any special browser or plug-in requirements clearly visible and easily understood? Are interactive features clearly explained? Are the skills required to use the site’s features appropriate for its intended audience? Is there an off switch for music? Overall Design Goals
If you current site does not meet these important criteria, it may be time for a web site upgrade. Crystal Visuals Design specializes in the development of new web sites as well as web site upgrades at a price guaranteed to make you smile! Contact Us today for more information!
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