University of Southern Indiana

I. Planning a Web Site Design

To view text and pictures on the World Wide Web, you need a computer with two things: a network connection and a browser, such as Netscape or Internet Explorer. To hear sound or watch motion pictures on the web, you'll also need helper programs like QuickTime or RealPlayer.

Important questions you will need to ask when planning your site:

What is the purpose and goal for the site?
Who is the target audience for the site and what do they want?
Who are the content developers?

Gather materials that will help deliver your message. This includes written materials, photos, and artwork. Also collect content you may already have from brochures, fact sheets, press releases, curriculum guides, training manuals, forms, and applications. From the gathered information, decide how to incorporate them into the site.

This is a good time to consult USI Web Services. A consulting session will give you a chance to discuss your project, have questions answered, get different perspectives on your plan, and understand how your work will integrate with the Web pages of your colleagues. To arrange a consulting session, contact Web Services at webserv@usi.edu.

Plan the architecture and organization of the site. It is helpful to draw a chart illustrating how you want the information presented to the user. Start with the homepage then link off to other pages.

You also should explore the interactive functionality you would like for your audience and the technology support required for such activity. Consider the options or functions you want the site to have, then consider the technology involved. Is this something you or someone in your office can do, or will you need help from USI Web Services?

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