How to read and navigate a Web page
We all need visual metaphors to make rapid sense of information that is presented to
us. The WWW is so new that these metaphors are still evolving. The dominant metaphor which
is emerging is a cross between a glossy magazine and a newspaper, rather than a television
screen as some people envisaged would be the case.
Increasingly, the very content-rich Web sites are laid out in a similar fashion.
It is worth getting to know your way around such a site.
For example, take a look at these sites:
 |
 |
| This layout takes its lead from content-rich
sites like Yahoo. Topics are laid out in tables and there is a readily accessible
search form. This type of site makes a great effort to make every section accessible from
the front page and as a result can seem rather 'busy'. |
This site has a more graphical design. These
types of sites often use image-maps, where parts of the larger picture are individually
clickable. (This one also uses Flash - which won't work unless you have
the plug-in) |
| Features
to look out for |
- Information about the publishers of such Web sites is usually available and should
always be checked as part of a routine exercise in validating the information from this
site. Look under a heading such as 'About' or 'About the company' or 'Company
Background'.
- A search form may give you access to filtered news, the entire Web site or occasionally
a specialised subject search engine or directory.
- An opportunity to register for a free email newsletter giving updates about the site.
- A site map which allows you to see how the Web site is
organised, often using a
tree-diagram
|
|
