Florida Atlantic University Designing Web Sites at… 1999 Presented by Administrative Technology Systems Financial Affairs

Quick Definitions  html - the coding used for web design  gif or jpg - the image format used on the web  java - special programming used for unique features  frames - a special layout - example - a menu on the side would be one page and the content a second page. They scroll independently of one another  applet - a small java program  server - the computer where the pages reside  url - Uniform Resource Locator - or the site address

Preliminary Questions  Who is the targeted audience? A site designed for students should have a different look from one designed for faculty or for the outside community  What is the purpose of the site? Is it to recruit new students, impart research information, promote a college program, assist in administrative duties, etc.

Preliminary Planning F Once the audience and purpose is decided upon, then visualize the right look and layout of the site. F For multiple page sites, create an outline of main topics and sub topics.

Preliminary Planning Cont.  Prepare the text  Gather the images  Finalize the outline of topics  A site should be a cooperative effort between the developer and the department

Preliminary Design Process  Is your site going to be a “Frame” layout?  What is the color scheme?  Will it contain “Java”?  Will it contain audio/visual?

Use Caution in The Design Process  The site should not be a showcase for the developer’s programming knowledge at the expense of it being - Useful Easy on the Eyes Easy to navigate Quick to load

Use Caution in The Design Process  Repeat - The purpose of the site should not be a showcase for the developer’s knowledge The latest features in web design may be awe inspiring - but - a large percentage of the audience will never see it because they don’t have the latest browser version that will handle it. Instead it will slow down the loading, give strange results - or - even freeze up the system Be Kind to Your Viewers!

The Design Process  As the site is being developed, have several people view it  View it on different systems using different browsers Different computers, monitors, screen resolutions, browsers, browser versions, and defaults, can all produce different - and unexpected - results!

The Design Process  Keep It Interesting! Make text easy to read, current, informative and keep it to a minimum - use bullet points with a link or a means to request detailed information  Use Images and Animation - but… don’t overuse - it will slow down the loading process and detract from the message

The Design Process  Easy Navigation - a “must” on large sites Many sites use a side navigation bar or menu Another option is a link to a site index Users will not spend time trying to find what they are looking for Several short pages are better than one lengthy page

The Design Process  What every FAU Site should contain A link back to the FAU Home Page An link and/or phone number to obtain more information The date of creation or revision The developer’s name  IRM’s site on web design

YOU HAVE A SITE - now what?  Keep the information current  Periodically check links  Occasionally give it a new look  Ask for feedback  Promote it - Put the address on your letterhead, business cards, signature, brochures, press releases, etc

Site Limitations  There are many limitations imposed due to html and individual systems … but don’t let your imagination limit you on what you want to present to the world

Useful FAU Sites  Index of Content On the FAU Home Page, scroll down to Index  Faculty/Staff Directory & Index On the FAU Home Page, click on People  Administrative Tools Go to

Thank You  This presentation has been brought to you by Administrative Technology Systems  Dennis Crudele, Associate Vice President  Dr. Rosanna Star Berzok, Director  Dianne Parkerson, Assistant Director  Visit our web site at - Click