Visual Design Tips

  • Avoid using tables as a presentation tool. Tables contribute to challenges when meeting Section 508 compliance. Omitting tables also makes transitioning to the Content Management System easier.
  • Avoid more than two fonts on the same page. Using consistent fonts assists in improving how easily a visitor can scan a site. A visitor can quickly identify what fonts are headings and which are primary content when fonts are consistent and a limited number are presented. Also remember that fonts have to be installed on the visitor’s system for your type choice to appear as intended. Providing a choice of one or two fonts in your code is not only required by web development standards, but also provides a better and more consistent user experience.
  • Keep it simple. Web pages should be easy to navigate and direct the audience to the desired information as clearly and quickly as possible.
  • Avoid “under construction” or “coming soon” pages. Technically, web pages are always under construction. If the information is not yet available, don’t post a link until it is.
  • Spell out dates instead of using their numerical equivalent. For example, 01/02/08 means January 2, 2008 in the United States, but February 1, 2008 in many European countries. If you write a date either specify the time zone or spell out the date as January 2, 2008.
  • Always include your area code in the phone number in the following format (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Never use a phone number without an area code and local exchange (603) 535-XXXX. Visitors from off campus will not always know the NH area code and the on campus extension will not be helpful for them.
  • Test your pages. Check each link to make sure it goes where intended. Check each page in major browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari).

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