AlinaWheeler-DesigningBrandIdentity

Website basicsCharacteristics of thebest websitesEasy to useMeets visitor expectationsCommunicates visuallyKeep site goals, audience needs, key messages,and brand personality central to each and everydecision about the site.Anticipate future growth. Measure, evaluate,change.Site structure should not simply reflectorganizational structure.Begin site structure with content, not a screendesign.Do not force content into counterintuitivegroupings.Write content specifically for the web.Conduct usability testing.Observe etiquette. Alert visitors where specialtechnology is needed, where a screen may loadslowly, or where a link leaves your site.Comply with ADA: arrange for visually impairedvisitors to use software to read the site aloud orgreatly magnify text.At each stage ask: Is the message clear? Is thecontent accessible? Is the experience positive?Confront internal political agendas that maysabotage site goals.A lot of websites are morphinginto weblogs with a blogcomponent. @issue journal is amagablog—it’s not a true blogbecause it is designed to looklike an online publication, butit does feature new posts atthe top.Delphine HirasunaEditorwww.@issuejournal.com@issue journal: Pentagram> Create visual design > Develop technical design > Finalize development >Launch and maintainColor palette, tone, metaphorStrategy for data integrationProduction of screen graphicsPromote site launch.Grid and element placementStatic vs. dynamic screensDevelopment of HTML templatesComplete style guide.Graphic elements and text stylesContent management optionContent freezeDevelop maintenance plan.Navigational cuesTransaction flow designInserting contentMonitor logs and user paths.Layouts of key screensQuality assurance testing planApproval of beta siteMeasure success.Anticipate display on various platforms.Security and scalabilityQuality tests of beta siteTest ongoing usability.Create visual objects for specificfunctions.Integration of mediaPrototyping and testing with usersTechnical specificationsPrototyping and testingLocking feature setUser tests of beta siteRevisions based on test findings153