Bespoke Consultancy
There are two sorts of web site - those that are for entertainment and those that provide information. The purposes of these web sites and their audience are markedly different, but the same fundamental principle applies - that the user is able to clearly understand what is on the site, and that they are able to navigate their way through the content without getting lost or ending up stuck in a web dead end.
The next time you visit a site, ask yourself some basic questions:
- Is everything on the site clearly marked and well laid out?
- When you land on a page, do you know exactly where you are?
- Are the headings and captions easy to read?
- Can you find your way from one side of the site to the other and back again withiut ever having to use the browser's 'back' button?
If the answer is yes to all of these questions, then it is highly likely that some degree of thought has gone into making the site usable. If not, then it is highly likely that the site is losing visitors, and perhaps potential customers.
As part of my Bespoke Consultancy programme, I will carefully take you through the stages of building a site that is not only rich in content but accurate, clear and easy to navigate. All sites are codes in strict XHTML 1.0 and CSS, meeting exacting W3C guidelines.
From flowcharts and wireframes through to final build, emphasis is placed on getting a robust information architecture in place before the pretty parts are introduced. And with a stable and consistent template, it is far easier to add those final touches, as everyone knows exactly where they are going to go. When you look at a number of web sites you can see which sites have been planned carefully - and which others have been cobbled together at the last minute.
The process involves the setting down of a clear layout, which is then approved and signed off before any artwork or graphics are produced. This structured approach not only ensures a clean build and a site that looks consistent, but allows it to meet project deadlines and, perhaps crucially, project budget.