Web Site D e s i g n and Usability INBS 510--Introduction to Internet Business Presented by Gita Persad and Virna Wong

Your marketing strategy is a success! Once the visitors arrive, they should be presented with well designed and intelligent pages. Your message must come across clearly. The message must be accompanied by good graphics and easy site navigation. The website is maintained and updated frequently. Your website must be properly integrated with your business and marketing strategy BEFORE you launch it.

What makes an exceptional Web Site? Usability Successful web site design is about meeting customer expectation. Entertainment Information Links to related sites Make a purchase Design Good design make positive first impression. But then good design can do little to mask a boring content.

1. Navigation 2. Consistency 3. Performance 4. Appearance 5. Quality Assurance 6. Interactivity 7. Security 8. Scalability Essential Criteria

Navigation Your Web Site should be easy to navigate Figure out what the site is about in 4 sec. Hyperlinks are clear Buttons are label clearly Meet certain conventions

Consistency A web page layout and design should be consistent throughout the site. Elements such as layout, color, fonts, graphics, and navigation aids should remain consistent.

Performance Your web site should be quick to download Web surfer has little patience Speed benchmark is 12 second-rule. Variation – 4 second-rule.

Appearance Your web site should be easy to read Choose text and background colors wisely Match the expectation of the target audience. Designing of a jewelry store different substantially from a car loan company.

Quality Assurance Making sure the web site is properly tested BEFORE and AFTER it is launched.

Interactivity A web site should encourage the visitor to play an active role in learning about the business’ products or services

Security Visitors need to feel safe to interact with the web site. Provide a privacy policy on every page.

Scalability The web site should provide a seamless path for enhancement and future upgrade

Psychology of Color Color affects our emotions and behavior Warm color: magenta, red and orange and yellow Cool color: cyan, violet, blue, light blue and sea green Different meaning in different culture Color create mood and personality A site selling baby products could use vibrant scheme that parent would appreciate as a bright and positive influence. / /

Psychology of Color continued Game sites are one type of site that can get away with in-your face colors, Flash effects, and highly animated graphic Color for Genders and different age group Sites directed at a female audience tend to feature lighter color, usually pastels, with many pictures White is a color.

Conclusion What makes an exceptional web site? The goal of any web site is to deliver quality contents to its intended audience and to do so with an elegant design.