Tags: effective web design, website evaluation
When it comes down to evaluating your website you need to think on both sides of your brain. One (the right brain) is visual and processes information in an intuitive and simultaneous way, looking first at the whole picture then the details. The other (the left brain) is verbal and processes information in an analytical and sequential way, looking first at the pieces then putting them together to get the whole.
With both sides of your brain working you will see how they both can be used to evaluate your website. Let’s start with design and then point out some functionality and content tips.
DESIGN
1. Is it inviting and welcoming?
2. Is the purpose of the site clear? Is it obvious who owns this site?
3. Is the page attractive? Does the visitor want to explore the site further?
4. Can you find your way around the site?
5. Is it easy to find your way back to the home page?
6. Are the pages attractive on monitors set to various resolutions, on various browsers and on both Macs and PCs?
FUNCTIONALITY
1. Can various users (with various computer skills) interact with the site in the desired manner without assistance?
2. Is technology (menus, scripting, animations, bells and whistles) used to aid communication (as opposed to confusing the visitor)?
3. Do all the links work? Do pages download quickly?
4. Is there an over abundance of flash or scripting?
CONTENT
1. Is the content interesting and appropriate to the site’s mission?
2. Is information helpful and relevant to the topic?
3. Is the content fresh (not outdated)?
4. Is there too much content and not enough visual elements?
5. Does it contain essential information? (Mailing address, telephone numbers, home/search/contents/contact buttons, keyword-heavy text, organizational news, quick launch links)
All of these listed above are answered with a well designed website. You must create the best overall experience while being compatible with people who’s skills range from none to uber geek. Now we can’t accommodate everyone who visits your website either due to language barriers or technology hindrances. So you must first decide who your target market is and how to accommodate that market on your website. Keeping in mind different methods for different cultures.
Choosing the right design agency is also key as they understand the ways to attract your visitors and keep them coming back for more. But how do I know who the right design agency is? Well, ask them questions. The more education you have on what your looking for and your needs the easier it will be for both you and the design agency your working with. If they have trouble answering your questions or you get confused with their process then look elsewhere.
If you are on a tight budget or are unsure about getting a website then you must first decide if your ready to go online. Do you have a residual client base? do you need to be online? how do your clients notice you? these are all great inital questions you need to answer first. I don’t always agree with “You get what you pay for” but it does show its value when you choose the right design firm. Finding that fine line between affordable and functional.
If you have any questions or comments about this post please feel free to contact us.
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