Designing a Website - a Guide

Designing a Website

Raul G. Nuno

Independence University

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to guide potential web designers towards a set of tools that if used correctly, can lead to meaningful content, and a loyal user base.

Designing a Website

        Designing a website is no easy task.  There are many questions that need to be answered prior to even brainstorming an idea for one.  Good thing that there is no shortage of help to be found, and this paper will highlight a couple of good sources to start.  In the end, the tools used in creating a website will vary on its content, and the user base.   The creating process always starts with a question.

Determine the User

At the beginning of any project, regardless of what is for, and who is starting it, there is one singular question that must be asked, and that question is why?  Why does this website need to be made? Why are we about to invest time and money on something that probably already exists?  Who is this for?  Interesting questions that beg to be answered, with the last one being the one that defines the first two.  The question of who can be answered through a brainstorm session, and a clear understanding of the end goal.  Shneiderman & Plaisant (2010) write, “The success or failure of software projects often depends on the precision and completeness of the understanding among all the users and implementers”.  It does not get any clearer, the implementers or programmers of the website need to understand the users they are trying to reach.  In a similar fashion, the users should understand that the programmers are going to do their best to present a complete website.

Needs of the User

Programmers know what to present to their potential users, and the potential users have an expectation from the programmer.  The next step is to bridge that gap between them.  Tools and designs can vary depending on the purpose, demographic, age, and even location.  Here in the United States, there government has lent a hand to anyone and everyone that wants to design a website.  A website is all about the user interface and how well the users can interact with it.  Some of the best practices recommended when designing an interface include keeping the interface simple, the strategic use of color and texture, a page layout with a purpose, and making sure the system is communicating user actions (User Interface Design Basics, 2014).  The government, in all its conventional wisdom, is offering basic tools, free of charge to all that are willing to use them.

Gather Input from the User

The tools have been used, the programmers have been busy for a long time, the users have been waiting, and the long-awaited day of publishing the website, and then it comes online.  Nothing can prepare a website designer for how users from all walks of life approach and interact with their website.  Most websites have a “contact us” button, and users will not hesitate to provide you with feedback.  Feedback can range from font used, graphics (or lack of them), broken links, sluggish response time, website design, and even quality-of-life features.  Feedback is expected, and should be a chance for improvement, just keep in mind that users can and will go somewhere else if concerns are not at the very least, reviewed.  Just as a website designer expects feedback, users too expect things to get easier, if not better.