3.1.6 If your site is of interest to non UCSC affiliates, remember to use full names of 

departments, committees, etc. For example, if listing IR/PS on a prospective students page, 

you should spell it out the first time you use it, Graduate School of International Relations and 

Pacific Studies (IR/PS).  

3.1.7 Remember that even if your target audience is a select group of people such as a small 

research lab, people from around the world may find and peruse your site. Do not include any 

information on your public web site that you do not want publicly disclosed. Assuming that 

others will have no interest in your site is not enough.  

3.2 Navigation  

3.2.1 Use a consistent method of navigation throughout all levels of your site. Never strand 

people on  orphan  pages where they have to use the back button in order to return to the 

home page.  

3.2.2 Offer navigation within long pages to avoid the need for cumbersome scrolling.  

3.2.3 Be sure that critical information and navigation tools are located at the top of the page.  

3.2.4 An increasing number of Web pages feature the main navigation buttons on the left 

hand side of the page, so this is where most users will look first.  

3.2.5 Label buttons clearly and do not make something look like a button if it is not.  

3.2.6 Offer a site map or table of contents.  

3.2.7 If your site is complex, include a search engine so that people can quickly find what they 

are looking for.  

3.2.8 Use frames appropriately if you use them at all. Also refrain from needlessly opening 

new browser windows   this is confusing and disables the back button. (see section 4.6 for 

more information on these topics).  

3.3 Graphics/Images  

3.3.1 The careful use of images and graphics can go a long way to making your pages more 

inviting and interesting, but be sure to use images that are clear, quick loading and relevant to 

the text. If necessary, use thumbnail sketches of images and provide links to high resolution 

images that can be downloaded. This will prevent the use of graphics from significantly 

slowing your download time.  

3.3.2 Avoid the gratuitous use of the latest technology fads. Most people will visit your site in 

search of information, not to see a cool, spinning logo.  

_________________________________________________________________________________

Web Services Committee 

Page 44 

May 28, 2002