people.sinclair.edu

Structure & Organization

Use "Index" as the name of the first page of a website.
Use lowercase letters for filenames and links with no spaces. Keep in mind that case-sensitivity is an issue.
When possible, keep page width to no more than 600 pixels. This will enable users to easily navigate the site regardless of the screen resolution they use (no scrolling left to right).
Frames are discouraged (frames break the fundamental user model of the web page; and cause bookmarking, URL and printing problems).
Each page and all of its elements (includes graphics, pictures, text, logos etc.) should download at 75K (size) or less.
Break information into logical pieces that can stand alone and link to them. Don't put everything on one page.
Old files no longer linked to the site should be deleted by the content provider.
Links should be checked periodically to insure that they are up-to-date and working.

Formatting & Editing

Be consistent with the design, layout and organization of each page within a site to ensure a common identity and easy navigation
Use standard link colors and consider using browser safe colors
Limit the use of animated graphics (please do not use text or graphics that "blink")
Proof content for completeness and accuracy.

Images

Images should be 72 dots per inch resolution and should fit on page in such a way that scrolling from left to right is not required

JPG files should be used for pictures
GIF files should be used for line drawings or text
ALT tags must be used to describe graphics
Use images that directly relate to the topic of the page
Use image processing techniques (jpg & gif compression) for minimizing image file size
HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) Standards
Adhere to HTML standard specifications (guidelines at www.w3c.org)
Make tags legible (i.e. tags in upper case contrast well with mixed-case document text)
Use <blockquote> to indent text (do not use spaces to indent text)
Use tables to set text width (do not use <br> to force a line break)
Each page should have a unique title (title tag should be used)

Accessibility (ADA Compliance)

Adhere to web accessibility guidelines for viewers who use screen readers or text-only browsers
Descriptive link names must be used (sight impaired users need these to "hear" where they are going). Do not use "click here" for links
All images should use "ALT" tags as image descriptions
Be sure the page displays well in different browsers

Helpful Links