Fundamentals of Web Publishing
A. Audience Research and User Testing
The Web publishing process begins and ends with knowledge of our audience, putting user needs first. Through effective audience research and user testing, all of us who participate in Web communications can better understand and serve our target audiences.
B. Strategic Planning and Inspiration
Once target audiences are identified and understood, strategic planning matches institutional goals and objectives with communication strategy as it pertains to our Web presence.
C. Information Architecture and Site Structure
The way a Web site is structured provides a lot of context about the institution, both by the topics that are featured, as well as the way information is related. A complete site map can provide a visual template for evaluation and testing.
D. Development and Production Workflow
Producers and editors create Web content using a variety of methods. In some cases, authors update their own content within management systems. In other cases, Web pages are assembled from databases in order to present regularly-updated information. Finally, digital assets of many types may reside on single computers or be distributed across campus.
Each method for generating Web pages has its own workflow process that can be evaluated and analyzed for efficiency.
E. User Experience and Interface
Pages that provide a consistent interface simplify the user experience. This includes navigation, browser standards, graphic design, and the voice in which copy is written.
Put it all together. Then start over!