Unit 9: Evaluating the Internet

Lesson 7: Design

Consider the design of the website you have accessed. Ask yourself the following questions to determine if the site is professionally designed.

1. Is the website well organized? The site should be clearly organized. Its main content should be located within two or three clicks of the homepage.
    
   
2. Is the text easy to read? Graphics, fonts, colors, and backgrounds should not distract from the text.
   
   
3. Does the site have a search engine? If the site is searchable, it should include Help and Search Tips pages with clear instructions.
   
   
4. Is the site easy to navigate? You should be able to find relevant information with ease. Each page should have a link to the homepage. A site with multiple pages should have a site map and/or a table of contents.
   
   
5. Does the site load in a reasonable amount of time? Each webpage should consistently be available, and load without problems.
   
   
6. Is the site well designed? Search engines, graphics, animation, sound files, featured links, and introductory and transitional pages should enhance the accessibility of the site, and serve a clear purpose.

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