knowledge bits and bytes: Website design

I’ve been reflecting on the paper that I wrote in 2008, Guidelines for the development of a blog-based current awareness news service. Since then there has been new web 2.0 tools and applications; however the following two quotes from the 2008 article are still relevant today:

Nielson (2005), Attwood (2006), Bustos (2007), and Kroski (2007) indicate that the ‘new web’ design should not throw away traditional web site design principles, but

1. focus more on simplicity of design, which presents a clean and simple interface for users and draws attention to what is important, and

2. provide options for users to connect and interact with each other, and with the site. (p. 414)

No matter what technology platform is used to develop a site, the development process should be based on a combination of evidence-based and ‘new web’ principles (Maness 2006; Cervone 2007; Kroski 2007; Saw 2007):

· Be informed by practice and evidence

· Involve all stakeholders and be communally innovative

· Be nimble when responding to changes in consumer needs

· Evolve by constant revision and adaption

· Try something new or different

· Use imagination. (p. 427)

So when asked to come up with 10 criterion to evaluate a library website, I have found the task nearly impossible. Especially, when you include the set readings on library website design (Matthews 2009), kids website design (Lazaris 2009), online library identity (McBurnie 2007) and web 2.0 architecture (Governor, Hinchcliffe & Nickull, 2009), plus other useful resources, such as Steve Krug’s books on website usability. What I have opted to do is identify key categories used to evaluate a website, which depending on the purpose of the site and intended audience(s) would be tailored.

Navigation

Use of terms and labels that are meaningful to your audience
Provide different pathways for finding information
Simple navigation with 'major' pathways/categories persistent on each page
Provide an easy way to ask for help

Search

Optimised search engine with a search box visible on each page
For libraries – a catalogue search box on front page
For libraries - federated search

Visual design

Visual cues such as images and icons that contribute to the content and meaning
Is written for the web (and intended audience)
Uses relevant website design techniques such as: strong colours to emphasise key concepts, and use of whitespace to provide a clean and open feeling and improve readability.
Is creative

Content

Relevant, current content
Added value content
Engaging content
User generated content

Accessibility

Ensure good speed of multimedia download
Is compliant with web accessibility guidelines and provides accessibility features, such as increase font size and alternative text for pictures.

Participation and engagement

Provide an option to comment (may or may not be moderated) for relevant section
Include a suite of social tools for relevant pages / sections such as re-tweet, bookmark, tagging, rating
Make it easier for the user to subscribe by offering syndication via email and or RSS

On the go