Spend some time planning the purpose of the site, what the content of the site will contain and how you want it structured. Planning before you begin helps you create a Web site that has a unified look and well designed structure.

To create a well designed Web site, it is extremely helpful to develop criteria through the evaluation of existing sites. Sites already on the Web should be evaluated for graphic design, site architecture or structure, and organization of significant content before beginning your own site. Graphic design is the first element explored, as the visual impact of the first page you see tends to determine whether or not you explore further into the site. The site architecture or structure makes sure that the graphic elements, page layouts, page titles, and navigation system work smoothly together. Information design is the process of organizing significant content in meaningful ways.

Using a Flow Chart

A simple flow chart is a useful way of diagramming how your pages will link to each other. Using a flow chart lets you resolve any design issues before you create your actual pages. When you create your flow chart, make sure your pages are linked in a way that makes it easy for your viewers to navigate through the site. Many viewers will arrive at your homepage first so make sure that it presents a general idea of what is on your site. You can do this by creating a table of contents or navigation buttons. Some viewers may arrive in another page in your site first through a search engine such as Yahoo or Alta Vista that searches for a key word that appears in your site. It is a good idea to make it easy to return to your home page from other pages in your site.

Criteria for Evaluating Web Site Graphic Design

You can immediately identify the source of the site.

The home page is well-designed, short, and relatively simple.

The home page makes you want to explore the site in depth.

The format is consistent throughout the web site.

The screens are uncluttered.

The navigation options are distinct and clearly delineated.

Images download in a small size to facilitate speedier downloading; they may be enlarged after the initial downloading.

The use of bold, italics, blinking, and other attention-getting devices is limited.

 Criteria for Evaluating Web Site Architecture

It is designed for easy use by the novice with minimal user skills required.

It is easy to move from page to page, link to link, and back to the home page.

All the parts of the site work.

You can navigate easily and logically through the content material.

There are a variety of ways to navigate through the site.

The site navigation system supports the site's overall objectives. 

Criteria for Evaluating Web Site Information Design

The content provided is appropriate and comprehensive.

There is sufficient content to make the site worth visiting.

Major themes are easily identifiable.

All links are significant.

All links are helpful and appropriate.

There is a sufficient number of links.

There are links to other helpful sites.

There are no links that lead the user too far away from the site.

The information providers are clearly identified.

Web Site Examplars

Explore the following sites that offer exemplary models of web site design.

Country Day School

Friendswood High School

Hollywood Beach School Homepage

Marie D. Durand Elementary School

North Hagerstown High School

Rapid Valley Elementary School

Sundown Elementary

Tonya Canada's Kindergarten Class