3.3.3 Avoid the use of continuously running animations, scrolling headlines or flashing text. 

Most users find these distracting and annoying.  

3.3.4 Use icons only when necessary and make sure their design matches the overall tone of 

the site.  

3.4 Responsiveness and Download Time  

3.4.1 Remember that many people visiting your site may be using a relatively slow modems 

(28.8 or 33.6) to access the Internet from home, so keep your download times as short as 

possible. Users will be less frustrated if they can begin working on at least part of the page 

while waiting for images etc. to download.  

3.4.2 Always provide ALT HTML tags for images so visitors know what images to expect. These 

are also useful for those who are relying exclusively on text.  

3.4.3 Avoid the use of complex tables as these take a long time to download. Instead, divide 

information into multiple, simpler tables.  

3.5 Text  

3.5.1 Keep your text lively and succinct with the most important information provided first.  

3.5.2 Avoid using UCSC jargon and acronyms that would be unfamiliar to people outside of the 

university or your field.  

3.5.3 Provide URLs within your text to links that will provide more detailed or related 

information.  

3.5.4 Consider breaking text into shorter, integrated pieces that are easier for readers to 

digest over the Web.  

3.6 URLs  

3.6.1 Keep URLs as short and simple as possible and try to make them have an obvious 

relationship to the content. This will make them much easier for people to remember.  

3.7 Usability Studies  

The best way to determine if your site is correctly designed to meet the needs of your 

audience is to conduct usability studies. This involves asking people to navigate through your 

site, watching what pathways they take, and noting any problems. You can find information on 

usability testing in the Help section of InfoPath.  

3.8 List of Links to Other Tip Sheets and Style Guide  

_________________________________________________________________________________

Web Services Committee 

Page 45 

May 28, 2002