Basic web page structure and layout

Once you’ve sorted out the site map, avoid firing up your graphics package. It’s a good
idea to sketch out page layout ideas on paper before working on your PC or Mac. Not only
is this quicker than using graphics software, but it also allows you to compare many ideas
side by side. At this stage, you shouldn’t be too precious about the design—work quickly
and try to get down as many ideas as possible. From there, you can then refine your ideas,
combine the most successful elements of each, and then begin working on the computer.

 

Although the Web has no hard-and-fast conventions, themes run throughout successful
websites, many of which are evident in the following image of a version of my Snub
Communications homepage. 

If you can answer yes to all these things, then you should be on the right track!A website’s navigation should be immediately accessible—you should never have to scroll
to get to it. It’s also a good idea to have a masthead area that displays the organization’s
corporate brand (or, if it’s a personal site, whatever logo/identity you wish to be remembered
by, even if it’s only a URL).
The homepage should include an introduction of some sort that briefly explains what the
site is about, and it should have some pull-ins to other areas of the site. These pull-ins
could be in the form of news items that link to recent product launches, completed projects,
and so on.
Most websites require a method for people to contact the site owner, and at least one
clear link to a contact page is essential.
Avoid constantly changing the design throughout the site. In print, this sometimes works
well and provides variation within a book or magazine. Online, people expect certain
things to be in certain places. Constantly changing the position of your navigation, the
links themselves, and even the general design and color scheme often creates the impression
of an unprofessional site and makes it harder to use.
Ultimately, however your site ends up, and whatever your design, you need to ensure your
creation is as usable as possible. A good checklist—even if the points may seem entirely
obvious—is as follows:
Is the site easy to navigate?
Is it easy for users to locate content on each page?
Is it easy for users to find what they need on the site?
Are download times kept to a minimum?
Is the site suitable and relevant for its target audience?
Does the site use familiar conventions?