Boot Camp

Web Authoring Boot Camp
Based on the client interview/questionnaire, you would summarize the client’s needs, expectations,
and resources.
Audience Research
Next, do some audience research. In short-term website projects you may need to intuit
as much audience information from the client interview as you can, and supplement with
general demographic research. When possible, find ways to actually interact with people
from the potential audience. Things to consider should include:
50
• Who is the real target audience?
• What will this audience want/need to make this website work for them?
• What content should be included to best suit the audience?
• What technology will the audience likely have to access/use this website?
• What comprehension/language/visibility issues should you consider for the audience?
• How/where will the audience consume the website - work, home, school, library,
wifi, dial-up, palm?
• What would be the simplest and most effective navigation for the audience to find
information?
• Based on the client’s expectations and audience research, what is the best use of
colors, fonts, images, and layout?
• What language and writing style will provide the easiest and most successful use
of the website?
Planning Tools
There are a few tools/steps you’ll want to include in your planning. These help you sort,
clarify, and present the information you collect so you can work from it. You may also
need to share some or all of these pieces with the client as you prepare a design, since
your client may see needed changes or misconceptions of what you discussed. Correcting
problems early will make your web project more cost-effective and polished the first time
around.
AIA Table
An AIA (audience, issues, and approach) table is a simple way to collect key information
about the potential audience(s) you will be serving with the website. Create a grid table,
and define the following.
• Audience: What audience will be using the site? Consider at least 2-3 audience