| 1. 'Wow technology; put as much information on the | | | | effective on a web page. A strategic review of |
| homepage as possible.' Wrong. Information needs to | | | | communications before designing a website is |
| be in manageable bite size chunks, too much | | | | recommended, your website can follow a consistent |
| information will make your site look cluttered and | | | | house style but it may also be worth considering, a |
| intimidating. If you utilise pages and information | | | | standalone identity. |
| architecture you can still hold a substantial amount of | | | | 6. 'Back button we don't need to highlight that.' |
| information but the user will be able to personalise | | | | Underestimating the power of the back button is a |
| and seek out the specific information they require. | | | | serious mistake. Most users rely on the back button |
| 2. 'Lets call our dog food brand banana.' Experiential | | | | as their comfortable escape route and therefore |
| marketing when used effectively can be explosive. | | | | must always be given the option. |
| However you must make your content as relevant | | | | 7. 'Server speed why do we need that?' A slow |
| to your subject matter as possible. This will ensure | | | | server is the death knell for a business website. |
| that your site can be effectively located by search | | | | Users must be able to access information, fast. If |
| engines/consumers. | | | | you use up their valuable time they will leave. |
| 3. 'I think flash websites are awesome.' Yes flash can | | | | 8. 'Popup ads, lets really get the brand in their face.' |
| be a highly effective and visually creative form of | | | | Pop up windows are extremely annoying and simply |
| web design. However you need to bear in mind the | | | | do not work, primarily because of their intrusive |
| tech savvy nature of your consumer. Many | | | | nature. Banners at the side of the page which don't |
| consumers cannot access flash, therefore your | | | | take away the users choice are fine, but invasive |
| target users and their web capability must be | | | | popup ads combined with shoddy graphics are |
| assessed. | | | | enough to make anyone turn off. |
| 4. 'Let's plaster the site with multiple images.' Your | | | | So there you have it. Create an unique and accessible |
| website cannot simply be image based. The text to | | | | website which passes the usability test. Have a play |
| image ratio must be balanced. | | | | around on the web and pick out particular sites and |
| 5. 'Replicate our house style.' You may wish to | | | | features which appeal to you. Good sites are out |
| consider whether your corporate style will be as | | | | there, seek out inspiration and enjoy. |