Photographer's Web Site example essay topic

A Good User Interface Introduction The majority of today's businesses use the internet to expand their customer base. However, there are several companies who will publish their site on the World Wide Web, before reviewing its user friendliness. And in doing so, they may be losing a customer, due to the poorly designed aspects of that web interface. So, what makes a website a good user interface? Which sites are examples of this, and which sites are not?

In the following information, there will be descriptions, benefits, and examples of both types of interfaces. The most important aspect of a user friendly site is the speed of loading the site. For some new surfers, a fast internet connection does not exist. Therefore, it is important to limit the graphics on a web site. Those sites that fill the home page with mostly graphics and images, may find their potential client dropping the page at 50%. An example of such a site is the following wedding photography site: web home page contains mostly digital pictures which take a while to load, before the end user can view what the photographer has to offer.

Obviously, a photographer's web site should contain images of their work. However, the requirement would have been better accomplished by limiting the digital images to a link off of the home page as opposed to the opening page. In doing so, a potential customer would be able to open the home page to learn what services are offered, package pricing, and the studio location, prior to becoming impatient, thus moving onto another photographers site. A website with a well-designed layout is also important to users. It is their window to view what the company has to offer. If the website's layout and appearance is confusing and inefficient, most customers will simply go elsewhere.

According to Karen Holman, Information Specialist for Outreach Communications and Technology, ! SSA good web site puts the needs of its users first.! SS Her site lists the following recommendations for attaining this goal" Know your audience: Who is the end user for the site? " Satisfy the users' basic questions: Is the information complete and up to date? " Content remains king: The content answers questions, has no spelling and punctuation errors, is dated and signed, and contains a contact".

Page Design: Loads quickly, presents information in first one or two pages, and limits special effects". Working links: Links are tested regularly to ensure they are working". Build Loyalty: The site is visited regularly by repeat surfers, and is recommended to others. A site that does not meet the above practices is one for the American Kennel Association located at: web This site contains links that imply the web designer did not know the intended audience, nor understand the need for useful content. The page also contains links for items not related to owning, or registering a dog.

Perhaps the most often overlooked aspect of a web page is the overall color and appearance. There is a certain psychological and physiological science to the color a web page contains. Some colors invoke anger, while others can calm. Also, there are colors that are hard on the eyes. This is criteria that should be thought of, in addition to the aesthetics of the final look.

A great example of such a site is the one for Walt Disney at web They kept the theme of their homepage bright and cheery to appeal to the younger audience, while maintaining a balance of the colors. Conclusion While companies wish to provide as much information as possible on their website, a good user interface is extremely important in captivating the audience. As the above examples have shown, a! SS pleasing to the eye! ", and an efficient website, will attract, and maintain customers. The first time someone has to wait more than a split second to view the website, or they open a website that is hard on the eyes, the customer will go somewhere else.

Bibliography

American Kennel Association. (2004) Retrieved December 2, 2004 from web & Mindy Ziegler.
2004) Retrieved December 2, 2004 from web Holman.
2004) Retrieved December 2, 2004 from web Disney Company.
2004) Retrieved December 2, 2004 from web.