Content is the information provided on the site. It is not just text, but music, sound, animation, or + video – anything that communicates a site’s body of knowledge. Good content should be engaging, + relevant, and appropriate for the audience; you can tell it’s been developed for the Web because + it’s clear and concise and it works in the medium. Good content takes a stand. It has a voice and a + point of view. It may be informative, useful, or funny, but it always leaves you wanting more.
+Refers to the framework of a site, the organization of content, the prioritization of information, + and the method in which you move through the site. Sites with good structure and navigation are + consistent, intuitive, and transparent. They allow you to form a mental model of the information + provided: where to find things and what to expect when you click. Good navigation gets you where you + want to go quickly and offers easy access to the breadth and depth of the site’s content.
+The appearance of the site. It’s more than just a pretty homepage, and it doesn’t have to be cutting + edge or trendy. Good visual design is high quality, appropriate, and relevant for the audience and + the message it is supporting. It communicates a visual experience and may even take your breath + away.
+Good functionality means the site works well. It loads quickly, has live links, and any new + technology used is functional and relevant for the intended audience. The site should work + cross-platform and be browser independent. Highly functional sites anticipate the diversity of user + requirements from file size and format to download speed. The most functional sites also take into + consideration those with special access needs. Good functionality makes the experience center stage + and the technology invisible.
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