Web Design Resources

Design Services Available

Web design services are available through the Office of Communications. Please contact Brian Brydges (Brian.Brydges@du.edu) for more information about services and fees.

Design Tips

As you begin designing your Web site, consider the following points:

What is your primary goal? (recruit new students; offer services to existing students; simplify operational interactions?)
Who is your target audience?
How can you organize your site into a limited number of menu items (seven per menu is optimal, nine is absolute maximum)?
Who will maintain the content over time, and how will that fit into their other essential duties?

Here are some basic design principles and suggestions that will help you create Web pages that are clear, easy to read, and user friendly. We encourage you to be creative, have fun and to remember that "less is more."

Use small photos and images because they load faster.
Always use DU logotypes, etc. within the guidelines presented by the Office of Communication & Marketing. DO NOT change color or size of logo.
Use the templates available at http://www.du.edu/webwork/templates/ to provide your site with a "DU standard" look and feel.
Keep your pages short. People looking for information on the Web like to scan pages quickly.
Remember to make your pages work for people with disabilities. You can check your pages with the Bobby page validation service.
Avoid using "this page is under construction" signs. (The web is a constantly evolving place and therefore will always be a work in progress).
Avoid using the words "click here" as links. Instead use text that is descriptive, such as "more information" or "download application".

Evaluate your pages on a regular basis. Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself and your colleagues.

Information Goals

Is my page accessible to the disabled?
Are people requesting certain information regularly that should be added to the site? (Systematically gather, respond to and share feedback)
Do our pages convey a clear and correct message?
Is everything on the site up-to-date?

Design Goals

Is our presence interactive? Do you provide feedback, telephone numbers, etc.?
Are our pages cohesive in look and design?
Do our pages look like they are part of the University of Denver web site?

Usage Goals