(Shelly Cashman Series) Gary B. Shelly, H. Albert Napier, Ollie N. Rivers-Web design_ introductory concepts and techniques -Cengage Learning (2008)

Step 3: Determine the Site’s General Content 79
Figure 3-7 For some sites, a splash page might capture visitors’ attention
and draw them into the site.
@SOURCE
Splash Pages
For more information
about the pros and cons
of splash pages, visit the
Web Design Chapter 3
Online Companion page
(scsite.com/web3e/ch3/)
and then click Splash
Pages in the @Source links.
Figure 3-8 Some large corporations use an entry page with limited
information and links to direct visitors to subsidiary sites.
Warning! Many visitors seriously dislike dealing with splash pages. Always remember that
you are designing a site to meet visitors’ needs and expectations — not your own. A splash
or entry page should never be included just to showcase your technical or design skills.
The decision to include an entry or splash page should be made in context with your site’s
purpose and the needs and expectations of its target audience.
Q&A
Are there clear-cut
design guidelines for
including a splash
page at a site?
No. Web designers give
splash pages mixed
reviews. Web sites
that promote the arts
or Web design might
benefit from splash
pages as a way to
demonstrate creativity.
Most sites, however, do
not benefit from splash
pages; from visitors’
points of view, splash
pages interfere with
quick access to useful
information.
If you must include a splash page, be sure to add a link that jumps to the site’s
home page for those visitors who do not want to view the splash page.
DESIGN
TIP