Cars, Friends, and Sung Hi Lee
Okay, looks like this will be a "real" rant rather than a "guide." I've been an internet user since the early 90's and been doing Web design since 1993 back when graphical browsers like Netscape and Internet Explorer weren't around and we were using Lynx to browse sites (which consisted of text). With the explosion of the internet into the mainstream, many people have jumped onto this information superhighway and sometimes it seems that everybody and their mother has their own personal Web site. Well, I'd like to comment on some of the things I've seen on sites and how to improve them.
- SUBSTANCE? I can no longer count how many Web sites that I've been to which lack originality, whether it be in terms of design or in terms of content. Originality doesn't have to be complex, it could be influenced by a number of sources to create a new combination, or it could be a new idea. It gets boring to go to many of the Asian American male operated sites and find the same content on each (souped-up cars, pictures of women, and their "shrine" to Sung Hi Lee). Please guys, let's show others out there that we are more than just interested in cars and women. Let's show some substance!
- SPEED - basic web design is more than just placement of your pictures and text, it's about making it efficiently load for even the people with slower modems. Learn about graphic compression and when to use JPEGs and when to use GIFs. GIFs are 256 colors maximum, but can be reduced to really save disk space. JPEGs store millions of colors and are great for photographs but may not provide the quality for simple graphical images (like buttons or simple graphics).
- THUMBNAIL - thumbnails are tiny versions of the larger pictures. Don't use the sizing options in the HTML tags to reduce your images - it means that your large image still loads up even though it shows up really tiny. It is best to create a small version of the image and make that a hyperlink to the larger image. Believe me, your users will appreciate your site more if you think about their load time.
- LAYOUT - if a user can't find stuff on your web site, why would they want to visit? Layout is important. There is no hard and steady rules but your best bet is to ask other people how they liked the navigation of your site. I tend to go with top selections for main areas and side (whether left or right) for secondary areas.
- INFLUENCE - graphical design influence is fine but don't rip someone's site off in terms of content and thought. It really helps to be original. Visit sites you like and find out what you like about those particular sites. Incorporate those into your site in a general way. Think concepts rather than specific elements. For instance, if you like a site because it has a daily journal or webcam, then incorporate those items into your site in your own, unique way.
- NO CONSTRUCTION ZONE - I've learned this one the hard way, don't use under construction signs. If it is under construction, don't put it up! The web is, by definition, under construction so nobody is going to get down on you if your site isn't complete. Sites are ever changing, and I dare say, if they don't change they are destined for an eventual death.
- DO HOMEWORK - plan, plan, plan. The best web sites are ones that developed as part of an entire plan and theme. Think of how your site will be laid out and what content you will want in it. All of the homework you put in advance will make it easier when you actually begin developing the site. Don't put up a site on a whim, take time and really think about it.
- UPDATE - successful sites have content which brings the users back regularly. What can you offer on your site that will make a visitor want to return? It could be simply changing pictures once a week, writing journals daily (or at least regularly), constant updating...the list is endless. But compelling content is key to repeat visitors.