Design
As you move past the initial conceptualization stage in planning an educational website, you will need to develop a design blueprint that allows your web development team to consider design and development options. This design stage offers an opportunity to consider the accessibility needs and requirements of your visitors, the implications of design and functionality, your educational approach or methodology, and your technology requirements within a systematic planning process.
Best Practices to Design your Website ...Planning
Before you consider the visual design or technology requirements for your website, review planning tools and resources to help you develop content requirements, navigation maps, and a project management plan for your website.
Best Practices...Educational Components
Museum educators know that learning styles differ from person to person. Website technology allows you to present educational content through many methods, making it possible for website visitors to choose a style of learning that works best for them. As you plan your website, consider how presentation options match learning styles.
Best Practices...Design Realities
Designers sometimes refer to an 80/20 rule in website design: users will spend 80 percent of their time using 20 percent of a website. Determine what is important on your website, consider what will be used, and concentrate your efforts. Design realities offer guidelines and examples to help determine visual design preferences.
Best Practices...Technology
If communications technologies are tools, then the Internet is the ultimate
toolbox. With so many technology tools to choose from, how will you decide
what works best for your educational website? Seasoned website designers
advise that some technology tools have become standards in the technology
toolbox.
Best Practices...Focusing on your Product
Your website will be your museum's voice on the Internet. It will communicate your mission, promote your museum, and leave an impression on your audience. With so much at stake it is essential that you test your website at various stages in its development. Focus groups can provide essential feedback to help you evaluate your design and build a successful website.
Crafting the visual design and educational components of a website requires
resources, expertise, and input. Once you have crafted a visual design,
it is time to develop a plan to contain, maintain, and evaluate your educational
website.
DESIGN