Round Table
|
|
Website Build & Test
|
Where to start? There is no correct way to build a
web site. Try this.
Adopt an iterative approach based upon your selected sketch. Construct
your first page with your web authoring software. Include the general
layout that is to appear throughout the site. Add navigation bars,
columns, logo, advertising space, colour scheme, etc.
What does the page look like with text? Copy and paste
some text into the page. Any bit of text will do for the moment. The
objective is to determine if the design has the overall anticipated
effect. Review and revise the page until you are satisfied with the
result. When complete this page will become a template for the remainder
of the site.
Create copies of the template page and arrange, name and link them
according your chosen site structure. Resist the temptation to insert
images just yet. Next, add your written material to the pages. On
completing this it should be unmistakable what the site is all about.
Messages and undertones need to be crystal clear. Verify that you are
really saying what you intended. Check spelling and grammar thoroughly.
It is now time to include some graphics. If you are unfamiliar with
graphics editing software use clip art. There are plenty of
available resources. Convert the clip art to GIF format with a screen
resolution of 72 pixels per inch (ppi). Resize and resample the image
once inserted into the page to ensure a relatively small file size.
Photographs can be scanned or be sourced from a digital camera.
Convert files to 72 ppi JPEG format. Again, resize and resample to
obtain a small file size. Ensure that there are no copyright
restrictions applicable to any images used.
Reflect carefully about what you have written on each page. Consider
how a prudently selected image strategically placed here or there might
draw the reader's attention or provoke thought. Don't over cook
application of images. The result could be to overload or confuse the
site visitor with the effect that he/she decides to surf
elsewhere.
Lastly, ask someone else to review your
work and provide constructive feedback. Ask two or three people
representing different age groups.
Did they find navigation straight forward?
Was the page layout attractive?
What impression was created by the site?
Was the content interesting and informative?
Were the images relevant?
Did the graphics assist or confuse?
Is it a website they would want to visit?
Listen and act on their comments and suggestions. Review and revise
where necessary.
 |
Test your site thoroughly before
publishing. A visitor will find a site containing errors
extremely frustrating and they won't stay long. Ensure that
all hyperlinks are working correctly, spelling and grammar are
correct, copyright hasn't been contravened, prices are correct
and information is accurate. Check and check again.
|
[ Previous ] [ Next ]
