Site Effectiveness Tips
Make sure most users can see the most important elements on the page without scrolling

The most important elements should be located in the upper left-hand corner of the page, since that is the area that can even be seen by users with small monitors. Note that a very large number of users view the World Wide Web using America Online’s browser, which appears on users’ screens as a window within a window; users therefore view a smaller area than with a regular browser.

For example, in the previous tip, the Countrywide homepage was shown as seen on a 17" monitor with the resolution set to 800 by 600 pixels. Here is how the same page looks on the same screen when viewed with America Online’s browser. Note that the page’s most important element – "Apply Now!" – is no longer visible.

countrywide on aol.jpg (141371 bytes)

Additional tips:
  • Use easy-to-understand, unequivocal language; avoid "technospeak"
    Web designers tend to use technical terms; make sure your Web site uses language that its users will understand. And make sure users can anticipate the result of clicking on a link.  (Click here for an example.)
 
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