Guidelines for Developing a Web Page

The most important step in developing a Web page is to consider the needs of the people your department/office serves. If you organize your page according to the needs of your key "target audiences," it will be more effective than just putting out information.

Some important questions to answer before starting to design your Web page are

• What are the primary groups we serve?
• What does each group need from us?
• Is there any action we would like to encourage any of these groups to take (for example, to meet financial aid deadlines, to plan sufficiently ahead for catering or building maintenance, to properly publicize an important event)?
• How can we provide information in the most logical way to someone who is unfamiliar with our operation and help them make the best use of our services?

It might be a good idea to discuss these questions with students, faculty, staff, or others who regularly interact with your department/office. They can provide you with invaluable outside input and a fresh perspective.

Once you have answered these questions and determined how you want to present your department/office on the Web, the design will be much easier. Generally, it's better to keep the design clean and simple so that people don't have to work too hard to access your information. Carefully selected and judiciously used graphic elements that relate to your department (photos, emblems, professional symbols) can add visual appeal. Rules and regulations for official University Web pages also must be followed (see the UM Appropriate Use Policy and Web Policy).

If you have any questions or would like advice as you develop your Web page, University Publications would be happy to help, as time allows. Just give us a call at x7355.