Forum Moderators: open
[useit.com...]
summary:
1. No Prices
2. Inflexible Search Engines
3. Horizontal Scrolling
4. Fixed Font Size
5. Blocks of Text
6. JavaScript in Links
7. Infrequently Asked Questions in FAQ
8. Collecting Email Addresses Without a Privacy Policy
9. URLs greater than 75 Characters
10. Mailto Links in Unexpected Locations
(and a good observance about
The Growing Importance of Email Integration)
-aV-
[edited by: amznVibe at 4:16 am (utc) on Dec. 29, 2002]
Would you consider changing a scroll bar color to match a site color scheme too intrusive?
Although I have read many papers suggesting Jon_King comments, again I believe this is very much market specific.
Developers, designers, and marketing professionals obviously are committed to "don't mess with tradition" keep it grey and lighter grey.
However, computers have been and always should to beige according to many.
These same people do not view a computer as funiture, where a fast growing market considers them just that -- like buying a livingroom/rec room sofa, arm chair, and family entertainment unit.
Forward thinking is risky but these same people/businesses are trend-setters rather than trend followers.
If you're in the "kids/teens/family oriented web/online markets" you bet - if corporate -- highly unlikely, and if developing for online professionals most definitely not.
Basically it comes down to common sense and knowing your audience.
I love flashy design, that is sweet and cool. But it don't have any value if no one can use it to get done what they need done..
It's a hard balance. To have great design that has great value and functionality.
I would love to be a usability expert. That would rock. Being that I have that slight mental bent towards purism of design.
I agree with the entire list. I would like to make an addition, though.
#11 - Use of cliche images.
This goes for all those web design/web hosting/Internet solutions/etc etc companies.
We have all seen these images, and it's now starting to turn my stomach. You know the ones, usually it's an aerial photograph of a small group of people, all dressed hip and contemporary, looking at the camera. Sometimes it's a picture of a business person, on a cellular phone, with a briefcase, walking down the street. Maybe you've also seen the "helpful operator" image. Usually an attractive female with with one of those headsets welded to her head. Big happy smile on her face...ready to help you in a friendly and courteous manner..
<groan>
I hope I'm not only one who thinks this is a waste of bandwidth!
I digress. Just had to get that off my chest.
- Chad
and it can help for brand recognition.
We have all seen these images, and it's now starting to turn my stomach. You know the ones, usually it's an aerial photograph of a small group of people, all dressed hip and contemporary, looking at the camera. Sometimes it's a picture of a business person, on a cellular phone, with a briefcase, walking down the street. Maybe you've also seen the "helpful operator" image. Usually an attractive female with with one of those headsets welded to her head. Big happy smile on her face...ready to help you in a friendly and courteous manner.
The approach does work for the average user (you, yourself may not be an average user).
Web is limited in "face value" so putting a face to the design provides returns.
That biggest point to remember... you are not your target market therefore your personal preferences, likes and dislikes do not apply.
you are not your target market therefore your personal preferences, likes and dislikes do not apply.
..it was just a little tongue-in-cheek, my friend.
- Chad
Sorry SlyGuy my tongue doesn't reach my cheek. :)
