web_builder Tips: The Wonderful World of Web Design

Lesson #1 - Getting Started

This is the first of a series of WWWD Tips on how to design a better Web site. You can also read it at http://www.forministry.com/webbuilder/tips.dsp.

 

Introduction

When was the last time you came across a Web site that caught your attention? What was it that made you stop and look? Most likely, it's the way the site presented itself.

Of course, the message behind the mock-up is priority number one, but there is great power in the presentation of that message. Conversely, there is something to be said about Web sites that are confusing, disjointed, hard to follow and/or just plain tough to look at.

It can get discouraging if you don't have the skills, tech knowledge, or programs to do some incredibly complex Web work - this can lead to disappointment and lack of effort, and possibly surrender. Words like flash, cold fusion, HTML coding can bring any non-computer tech to the brink of web chaos.

However, there's no need to be discouraged. Some simple steps can be taken that can dramatically improve your overall Web site look and feel.

There has been a lot written and said about good Web site design already, so if you're looking for good places to start some more research, here are a few:

 

Sketch it Out

A good plan is always crucial to a good Web site.

Start with these simple questions:

1. PURPOSE - Your Web Site Needs a Purpose
What's my Web site all about? What do I want people to know?

Try to summarize the purpose of your Web ministry in one sentence (or something close to it). If you have a Web site, ask some people to poke around and see if they know what you want them to do. The purpose should be broad enough to encompass everything on your Web site, but tight enough to point in a particular direction.

For example, the purpose of ForMinistry.com is to "equip the church online for ministry". Whether it's through Authentic Church articles on ministry, or an Equip Journal on good online practices, these fit under our purpose, and point to the goal of effective ministry online.

2. PEOPLE - An Audience of One...or One Million?
Who are the people I'm trying to reach? Who will be viewing my Web site?

Unfortunately, "everyone" and "anyone" are not good answers. Try and be specific on who you would like to see come to your site.

3. PLAN - Remember the Important Stuff, Leave Out the Fluff
What are the essentials of my purpose? How can I make sure that people will see it? What are things that are not essential? When someone comes to my Web site, what do I want them to do at (or as a result of visiting) my site?

For instance, a local church Web site may want to draw people to a community program, or to sign up for teen counseling, or find out how to visit the church.

4. PICTURE - Napkin Works of Art
What do I want my site to look like?

Basically, take some time to draw out a picture of your Web site. Where you want images to go, text, links to other places, and even how all the pages will fit together. Remember, you want all these things (pictures, images, colors, formatting) to support #1-3 (above).


Page Layouts

http://www.coolhomepages.com

1. Follow your eyes
Try to keep your pages easy to read. Most people don't like to scan horizontally across a whole page (for example, newspapers and magazines break up pages into columns, or with images and call-outs). At the same time, unless necessary (for articles and content material), try to keep text simple and brief. Watch out for needless wording and bold important words.

2. Bold and the Beautiful
Remember, when setting up the look and feel for your Web site, consistency is key. Formatting, color schemes, and styles should support your purpose, people, and plan. Don't let these things become a distraction more than attraction. Keeping a similar look and feel will keep the interest on your material. Feel free to make design changes, but make the changes consistent throughout your site.

3. Images
Graphics and images can really enhance your site, but too much is a minus. Backgrounds are out too, unless you are just using a color to highlight. Don't overuse graphics and images. Keep the images small and to the sides of your page.

Also remember that the more images you have on a page will affect the time to download it. And don't be afraid to ask others what they think of your Web site to get some feedback!

 

Book Recommendations

For a more information on Web design and usability, these books offer a great place to start:

Design away!

 


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