Web Design Core Issue 3: Designing for Users (7)

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3.10 Web Rules

Although Web sites do not strictly follow the graphical user interface usage rules, they have some loose rules. Deviating from the way most sites operate is a dangerous idea. Think about it, most users may spend a lot of time on other sites. You can't introduce any of your own new rules unless you happen to be running an important daily internal site, or a large e-commerce site, or to a portal like ya H o O. In fact, if the user wants the company logo on the left side of the screen to be a link to the home page, you'd better do so on the site. If not, it will surprise your users and cause negative results. Prompting users to learn new ideas will also leave users with negative feelings.

Rule: Do not deviate from the common interface rules determined by the mainstream site.

Unfortunately, web rules are very difficult to describe accurately. There are some well-known rules as shown in table 3-3. Figure 3-6 explains some of the general web rules that are used in the D e M O Company site Web page.

The problem with Web rules is that they are always changing. The new rules have been fashionable and popular. Think about how popular frames used to be. "Fly out of the Web" has been very popular, but gradually fell out of favour. Not all are considered rules, and in many cases it appears to be novel rather than practical. However, do not create new rules or evade them as an excuse. The best way to synchronize with rules is to access mainstream E-commerce and portal sites, looking for generic features from these sites. If users are familiar with the characteristics of those sites, such as one click to order, it does not have to be difficult to explain to the user how the site works. Do not subjectively think that everyone understands the general rules or that all users use the current rules. Some users will have special needs.