They say you can't judge a book by its cover, but unfortunately in web design, your website is judged in the first few seconds of viewing the site. Layout design can attract or confuse a user. A website should be organized and easy to read because if a user is frustrated they will leave and find an easier website to navigate.

 

Common mistakes used in website layout:

Using frames to view multiple windows (For example see: http://www.webtechlouky.com/websites1.html)

Using constantly running animated graphics (For example see: http://JimJacobson.com/)

Clashing colors or hard to read fonts (For example see: http://JimJacobson.com/)

Cluttered websites that are hard to navigate (For example see: http://www.bmw.com/)

Keep it simple: Use easy to read tables and columns (For example see: http://www.qvc.com/)

Use graphics that are relevant to the topic and that compliment the page (For example see: http://www.fortworthzoo.com/home.html)

Choose colors that are pleasing to the eye and that blend or coordinate (For example see: http://www.qvc.com/)

Be consistent when using link colors, font colors, and special effects (For example see: http://www.house.gov/)

Directions: On a sheet of paper rate the websites listed below. Consider only the characteristics provided in the table. Rate the characteristics as poor, fair, or good. Once you've completed your rating, see how we rated the websites by clicking on the icon below the table.

Websites to Visit	Color/Font	Graphics	Organization
http://www.zales.com/	_________________________________	_________________________________	_________________________________
http://www.photocamera.com/	_________________________________	_________________________________	_________________________________
http://www.sixflags.com/parks/fiestatexas/home.asp	_________________________________	_________________________________	_________________________________
http://www.nex.com/	_________________________________	_________________________________	_________________________________

Here's how we rated the websites: