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Designing Websites
Benun, Ilise. (2003). Cincinnati, OH: HOW Design Books
Price: $34.99
Review by Tamaria Jackson
Graduate Assistant
University of Central Florida
tamaria@mail.ucf.edu
Ilise Benun, author of Self Promotion Online-a full marketing guide to self-promotion via the Internet, uses Designing Websites as a resource for all up and coming web designers interested in designing efficient and user-friendly websites. The book is centered on usability and how designers can create the "user-friendliest" site for viewers.
At first glance many readers would assume the book is just another web designing book, but the author takes it one step further and gives in-depth information and examples to support the ideas presented. The author includes various online websites, such as Volunteermatch.org and www.uie.com, for before and after success stories and to give readers a hands-on, functionality experience of what can be accomplished. By utilizing actual websites and getting quotes and tips from online companies designers can visit websites for firsthand visual aids to assist them with their creations. The author has done a wonderful job of showing how to plan and implement website creations and reiterates the importance of user-assessment to be sure the overall website goal is achieved.
During the first half of the book Benun covers the basic foundation for successful web designing, understanding the needs of the user. By understanding what the user is ultimately "surfing" for helps the designer develop a more proficient website. The author notes, "A usable website is one that allows its users to do what they need to do, or get help easily, without becoming frustrated" (p. 14). Many of the myths surrounding website development and its users are discussed, such as the myth that people don't like to scroll down pages. Studies have shown that people are more willing to scroll down a page if they are certain to find what they are looking for.
In order to meet the usability needs designers must be sure they are creating their websites with the minimum computer requirements in mind. Most designers have cutting edge equipment, but the user may have the bare necessities; therefore; the designers should be sure to address the equipment issues. Included in this consideration is the connection speed or bandwidths, whether the user is using a dial-up system or a cable modem. If the site has a lot of graphics and technical imagery, those users with slower connections (dial-up) may have a harder time connecting (p. 22). These users may be more likely to look elsewhere if the time to load a page is more than they are willing to wait for.
Some general principles for web design include graphic consistency, predictable interaction, clear instructions, flexible choices, easy navigation and user control. These principles have been proven to help make many websites more user-friendly and easier to maneuver. The author notes that when the user is in control he or she can accomplish tasks through any sequence of steps, rather than being forced to choose the correct sequence to get to the desired information (p. 25).
This information is especially useful to higher education and student affairs professionals that are responsible for creating or updating websites. Those professionals working in offices, such as Student Activities will now be better equipped with working knowledge of what works best for the end-user and how to create web pages that are dynamic and purposeful. In addition to having the most up-to-date information, many offices can now incorporate more interactive links and resources to meet the needs of the students.
The second half of the book covers six categories of usability: Learners, Browsers, Shoppers, Connection Seekers, Transactors, and Entertainment Seekers. The author goes into detail and differentiates the needs of each user and gives in-depth examples of companies that tailor to the specific needs of each. One underlining aspect that all categories had in common was the emphasis on having a secure website, or the need to know that all transmitted information, whether for business or personal use, will be secure.
Many higher education professionals are utlizing their web page design skills by creating online class notes and discussion boards. This measure is a win-win situation for the students and the instructor; the instructor gets feedback on the design and functionality of their website and the students increase their computer literacy.
Some notable website differences based on categories as noted by Benun are that most websites viewed by Fun Seekers will have more advanced and technical imagery, such as plug-ins, media viewers and other multimedia software. In contrast, those users visiting websites for Transaction completions (online banking, investing, etc.) prefer very clean and uncluttered designs and minimal clicks to attain their desired pages. SmartMonkey Media's transformation of Zoogdisney.com is used as an example of a more technically inclined website and pros and cons of why flash media should be used.
It has been said that the Internet has been used as a way to disconnect from the real world, but for the Connection Seekers the web is viewed as a means of connecting people. These users are connected by commonalities, such as message boards for those people that have loved ones with cancer or those users that are in need of support or health tips for starting a new diet. For the Connection Seekers sites like designforcommunity.com and Nerve.com are definitely a means of finding those people and websites that will be serve their needs (Benun, p.73). These users are more willing to take their time in searching for the right site and more open and curious in seeing what and who is out there.
The book does a great job of explaining the importance of usability and its importance to web designers. By using well-known companies and resources, the author has reassured the reader that the task is achievable, as well as helped them create a more user-friendly site. This book has surpassed books in its category because it helps readers and designers see where their errors are in their site creations as well as helping the creators design a website that has a specific users best interest at heart. In this day and age of cutting edge technology higher education professionals must be able to market their programs and resources to students by every communication means possible. Benum offers professionals exceptional ideas and marketing tools to ensure users have the most successful website visits possible.
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