This web site is a classroom project for Web Development students at Beaverton High School. The purpose of this web site is for students to learn the components of graphic design as it applies to developing web pages. The goal of this project is for students to learn design elements that will make their web sites look professional.

Learn the following graphic design elements as researched by students in our class:

Here are 14 guidelines for creating a professional web site:

1. Use a true domain address to make visiting your web site easier.
2. Make sure pages load quickly, regardless of the connection type .
3. First impressions count; make the home page one that will keep the visitor interested.
4. Only include on your web site what is essential.
5. Don't provide too many choices that will overwhelm the visitor.
6. Create a consistent design style that is not overpowering.
7. Target your web site toward your audience.
8. Use fast-loading graphics that supports the text. Only use animations when there is a reason to.
9. If your web site is an advertisement, Shockwave or Java-type animations may enhance your presentation.
10. Visitors do not like having to scroll down a page to read it.
11. Don't force visitors to scroll left or right.
12. Visitors do not want to read unnecessary information. Create links to other pages with text so readers can choose to read or not.
13. Businesses should find a way to let visitors to the web site leave their email addresses.
14. Remember three reasons why visitors are "turned-off" by web sites:
    What they see is boring, hype, or lies
    Pages take too long to display
    The site is confusing

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©2007 • Created by J. Ewert • last updated 1/24/07