Introduction

Purpose

Background

Activity 1
Components

Activity 2
Components

Conclusion/
References

Module Evaluation

 

 

Activity 1 Student Learning Strategies

Color:
The first step in the creation of a successfully well-designed Web page is the concept of color. Color is very important because it sets the overall mood of the Web page. This visual component can define or crater the design, as well as stimulate or depress the emotions of the user. Certain colors can excite the mood, or even reflect a sense of calmness. When choosing colors for a Web page, follow these simple rules:

  • Contrast the colors of the background and text (light vs. dark)
  • Choose colors that go together in a color scheme, such as reds, oranges, and yellows
  • Titles, backgrounds, and navigational elements should reflect the colors from the scheme
  • Warm colors tend to be associated with activity and power
  • Cool colors suggest calmness and peace
  • Keep the maximum amount of colors in the color scheme to five

Navigation:
Another important factor, which ensures the success of a Web page, is navigation. A well-designed navigation system will gain the attention of the user and draw the user into the Web site, due to user-friendly context. Navigation allows for direction and consistency in a Web page. Users feel in total control, which provides for encouragement and independent learning. This user-controlled navigation is most often achieved through text links, buttons, or icons.

Linked text allows virtually every page on the Web to be connected. As for buttons and icons, hyperlinks can be incorporated within the image so that the user just needs to click on the image. Some buttons when clicked can change color, or even sound or depress as an actual button would. In addition to buttons, icons (small symbolic images) can serve as links. How these navigational elements are structured within the Web page is crucial. The structure should be easy to find and the names of the elements need to be clear and recognizable.

Most navigational elements are located either at the top, bottom, or side of the Web page. Such common names for the navigational elements include “home,” “top,” “back,” and “next.” Supplying familiar images will keep the users from having to spend unnecessary time learning how to navigate around your Web page. If navigation in the Web page is poorly designed, users can become confused and frustrated. The following are guidelines for creating an effective navigational scheme:

  • Keep the number of links per page to ten
  • Hypertext links need to be used when possible
  • Keep navigational elements in the same place on every Web page

Interactivity:
Simple interactivity in a Web page, such as linking text or documents, allows the user to play an active role in the online experience. A good Web page does not necessarily need to use all the latest whistles and bells to motivate a user to interact. The focus should be upon the basics of communication, whether it be simple hypertext links, buttons, icons, or even a discussion board or electronic mail activity.

Key Concepts:
After this activity, students will be able to:

  • Explain how color, navigation, and interactivity are important in a Web page
  • Practice good Web design techniques
  • Define navigation, interactivity