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Introduction

Rationale
Goals
Audience
Technical
Planning
Content
Flowcharting
Orientation
Navigation
Concept
Theme
Interface
Page Elements
Storyboards
Prototype

Interface: Empowering the audience

Some guidelines for building an interface that facilitates access:

Use of metaphors (see Theme) ( the interface should reduce the time and effort required to complete the same task one would complete in the real world. ) use concrete metaphors and make them plain so the users have a set of expectations to apply. Whenever appropriate, use audio or visual effects that support the metaphor.

Aesthetic Integrity- Visually confusing or unattractive screens detract from the effectiveness of the site. The appearance of objects on the screen must communicate their function. This goes beyong "prettiness". The web is now a visual communications medium.

Consistency- as you design your site, it is important to ensure that the user can transfer knowledge between sections of the site. You only have control overr your design- remember that on the web, users have ultimate control over the appearance of the pages, so design accordingly. This is the biggest challenge for the designer.

Perceived stability- The basic idea is to make the user comfortable- do not change the look and feel of the site from one part to another. For instance, keep the menu bar in a consistent location. Providing familiar landmarks provides a feeling of stability!