Defining project goals

DEFINING PROJECT GOALS
What is the purpose of your web site?

DETERMINING YOUR SITE'S GOALS

In most cases this will be determined by consulting with your project client(s). Ask your client why he or she wishes to create a website. What concrete goals will the website be designed to fulfill?

content-related goals

other goals

to promote or sell a product or service

easily updated

to share information

expandable

give product support (FAQs)

easy to use

provide a resource for researchers

integration with an existing system

provide information that complements another product (CD-ROM)

provide for a prolonged or quick browse

to tell a story

portability

to provide course materials/assignments

multi-platform and browser compatible

HOW GOALS DRIVE DESIGN

The goals specified by your client will directly impact the shape of your design solution. What you must ask yourself is whether or not a design concept moves closer to the project goals. Consider the following suggestions relating intentions for a user and design characteristics (adapted from Kristof and Satran, Interactivity by Design, p. 12.).

to learn or retain

clarity, simplicity, directness, repetition and reinforcement; modular breakdown of information into short presentations; testing and remediation where appropriate

to have fun

variety, surprises, randomness, and wit; un predictable events that change each time the product is used

to understand

conceptual explanations; "how it works" illustrations and video; graphs, charts, simulations

to create an experience

high level of interactivity, immersive environment; significant user control of actions and events; realistic sights and sounds

to act or buy

well-defined features and benefits; a clear representation of options; interactive forms

to get answers

reference style organization; fast access; searchable index of contents

COLOR AND ITS ASSSOCIATED MEANINGS

A major contributor to the effect a design solution will have upon a user is determined by color choices (mood lighting). Here is a rough sketch of common meanings associated with specific colors:

white

virginal, clean, pure, cold, stark, innocent

black

evil, death, ghostly, serious, fear, mourning, night, secretive, slick

gray

neutral, overcast, gloomy, aged, passive

red

hot, error, stop, aggression, fire, lush, daring, confidence

pink

female, cute, sweet

orange

warm, autumnal