IBM Web design guidelines

This information is most valuable for novice and intermediate level Web designers, but contains tips and other information that may be useful to more experienced designers.

1. Introduction Clarifying how to use these guidelines.

2. Planning Getting started on a Web design project.
2.1. User analysis Eliciting initial input from users.
2.2. Competitive and market analysis Finding a niche in the market.
2.3. Strategy Determining the detailed plan for meeting your goals.
2.4. Content Establishing goals and an initial plan for content.
2.5. Dev tools and technology Learning about the technology options.
2.6. Schedule of time and resources Creating a Web design project plan.


3. Design Creating the framework for the site.
3.1. Structure Making it easy for users to find what they need.
3.2. Navigation Making sure users can move around in the site easily.
3.3. Text Designing text that is easy to scan and read.
3.4. Visual layout and elements Page layouts meeting users' needs.
3.5. Media Using animation and other media effectively.

4. Production Building all the pieces.
4.1. Preparation Establishing conventions for file management.
4.2. Browser compatibility Supporting different browsers.
4.3. Creating images Images to meet performance requirements.
4.4. Cascading style sheets Making good use of CSS.
4.5. Final testing Ensuring the site is ready for publish.
4.6. Rollout Publishing the site.

5. Maintenance Make it a site worth coming back to.
5.1. Administration Keeping your site healthy and vital.
5.2. Advertising your site Your web site gets deserved attention.

6. e-commerce topics Selling goods and services online.
6.1. Customer support Supporting before, during, and after purchase.
6.2. Trust Establishing trustworthiness.
6.3. Product navigation Enabling users to browse products easily.
6.4. Product information Providing product info that users need.
6.5. Purchase transaction Easy means to purchase products.

7. Bibliography Research cited in these guidelines.