Module 3 Tasks - WWW Standards

Make a summary of what you believe are the 5 most important ‘rules’ for writing online. Think about any differences between the articles: for example, is the advice in Nielsen’s paper -- written in 1997 – still current?

1. Keep a simple design: Speed has always been important to web users. An impatient web user may decide to pass on a page that takes too long to load.
2. Keep a consistent design: Keep link buttons in a consistent location and provide links to the main page.
3. Use Meaningful Hyperlinks: Hyperlinks are well understood nowdays but the important thing to remember is to make them meaningful. They must clearly indicate to the reader where the link will take them. Again time is important to web page readers. They don't want to waste time on useless links.
4. Use Bold headings and point forms: This will give the reader an overview of your website quickly. Don't use jargon, just explain clearly and concisely the point.
5. Put Extended text on linked pages: Don't put all the text onto one page. It will make it too long to load and too much to read. Use the headings and point forms in point 4 to direct to the full text. Also provide printable pdf format for text that may be printed.

While these are not extensive rules, I believe that they cover the most important points that make a web site usable for everybody.

The rules written in 1997 by Jabob Nielsen closely reflect those written in 2003 by Dennis G Jerz. This shows that these rules are still relevant in todays web world. While many people have fast broadband connections, there are still people using dial up modems with very limited speeds. One of the tenents of designing web pages is to ensure that the content is available for all users of the internet. Not just the latest technology.