The next time you read a newspaper or
magazine, take a good look at the cover or front page. Then, look through each
section. What is the color scheme? What makes each section different but the
same? Where are the editorials? Where are the feature stories? How do you know
the weather is the back page or the police report is on page 3 of your local
newspaper? How do you know that the letters to the editor are in the front of
your favorite magazine or that reviews are in the back?
One word - Consistency
We've talked about planning your site,
working on a standard navigation bar, setting up a template, using some of the
same graphic(s) on every page.... for consistency. But why would you want to go
to all that trouble?
Ease of navigation
If we all know that your navigation
links are at the bottom and that the navigation bar doesn't change from page to
page, we can better navigate your site. It also helps to have one graphic or
link which always returns a visitor to the homepage. If your navigation bar is
at the top, put the home page link at the bottom and vice versa.
Ease of design
A consistent page allows a web designer
to just fill in the missing parts (i.e. the page's contents and graphics)
without having to worry about how navigation will work on the page or where it
fits into the overall design. Newspapers have been doing this for centuries. The
front page and certain inside pages always look the same with different content
every day.
Look and feel
With every page looking the same and
every page feeling the same, visitors are more comfortable about wandering
through a site, knowing there are no shocking surprises waiting under the next
link. It also gives visitors a better sense of "where they are now."
If a visitor clicks on a link which leaves your site, they know it instantly
because the look and feel changes.
Branding
When you think of a yellow
"M" what comes to mind? McDonalds. Or what about the Clydesdale
horses? Budweiser. Ok, so what about an apple with rainbow colors? Apple
Computers. Keep showing a visitor the same graphics and layout, and they will
begin to remember it. "Branding" is that instant recognition of a
certain object or symbol. Corporations spend big money to make sure people see a
repetitive, consistent image.
So, the next time you think about
adding a new feature or graphic or even a whole new section of your site, keep
in mind that consistency counts. It is an important element in designing your
web site.
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