Designing a Web Site for Your Congregation

Make It Look Nice

When designing your Web site, you need to consider graphic design aspects such as layout, composition, and style. You may have different appearances for different levels of pages within your site. However, there should be standard elements throughout the site that users can rely upon to help them know where they are and find what they're looking for. If you are not a graphic designer or a visual designer, you may want to consider working with one to help you define the visual language of your Web site. It is also helpful to consult the literature on page design for print media.

Use Appropriate Formatting
HTML is designed to be an abstract language that allows its content to be reformatted based upon the context in which it is viewed. HTML has good defaults, but you may want to look at an HTML reference guide to find alternatives for setting text attributes such as line breaks and the placement of graphics and text. Users choose which fonts they want to use in their browsers; therefore, you can't count on any particular font being present. You can, however, define a proportional relationship between the font sizes in different elements on the page. For example, you could set different font sizes for different levels of headings.

Assume a Screen Size of 640 pixels x 480 Pixels
Most people don't extend their browser windows beyond the 640 pixel width. Therefore you should make your pages no wider than 640 pixels. You can assume that users may have a smaller screen size, but because of the many 13-inch monitors in use, you can never assume that a page can be bigger than 640 pixels by 480 pixels. Some people might even be using a PDA such as a Newton MessagePad to view your Web site. Many people don't realize that they can scroll down a page, so it is essential to put critical information into the first screen full that people see when they open a page.

Design for Different Page Orientations
Because users can change the size and shape of their web browser windows, you should check your page layout in different configurations to be sure that it works well however the user views it.

Don't Capriciously Change Link Appearances
Most browsers have a default appearance for unread links and links that the user has already viewed. Because users rely on the consistency of the interface to help them navigate and use the Web, it's best not to override these settings by hard coding an appearance for links in your site. If you do find a compelling reason to override the appearance of links, do so consistently throughout your site. Don't capriciously change the appearance within your site.

Use Caps/Lower Case or Initial Cap Style for Headings
Because text in all capital letters is more difficult to read and has a connotation on the Internet of SHOUTING, avoid using it to emphasize headings or text. Instead use the initial cap style (first letter of a phrase is capitalized) or the caps/lower case style for headings on your Web site.

Use Empty (White) Space Liberally
Empty space (known in the book design domain as white space) provides relief on a page and draws attention to aspects of the page design. Use white space around headings, graphics, and paragraphs of text to create a sense of balance on the page. By providing relief, white space can neutralize the effect of two competing elements of the same size that draw the eye back and forth across a page. You might want to consult a professional book designer or the current literature regarding page design.

Establish a Layout Grid for Your Site
In order to foster a visual identity for your Web site, create a standard layout that remains the same throughout your pages. You can have different elements that you plug into different locations on different levels of pages, however the grid should be consistent. Your home page may have a separate grid. Each subsequent level of your site should have a consistent identifier such as a title banner or navigation bar that shows users where in the site they currently are.

Use a Consistent Visual Design Language
Treat graphics consistently throughout your site. Use the same style of graphics (photo realistic, flat color, or black and white) throughout your site. Be consistent-either always embed graphics in text or put them in a standard position on the page. You can design short pages that have small graphics or pages that consist mainly of graphics. Alternatively you can have one long page that incorporates text and graphics.

Make the title graphics throughout your site consistent in size and graphic design. Place the navigation tools in the same place on all pages using the same size and design.

Use the same alignment for all pages throughout your site-left-aligned, centered, fully justified, or right aligned pages.

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Prepared for Making Christ Known Conference November 22, 1997
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