Web Standards

What are web standards?

Web standards, according to www.webstandards.org, are standards that help ensure that everyone has access to the information that is being provided and will also make the web development process faster and more enjoyable. The W3C has different standards categories. These categories consist of HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML), XHTML and modularization, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and Document Object Model Level 1 (DOM 1).

There are also ECMA (European Computer Manufacturers Association) standards. Their main role is to develop Standards and Technical Reports in the area of information and communication technology. Their standards have been accepted as a base for international and European standards.

Advantages of using Web Standards

Accessibility

The web standards make accessibility easier for both software/machines and people. The structural information makes it easier for search engines to access the information and index them more accurately. These standards also make it easier to put a search engine on your own site. They are written so that older browsers will still be able to display the content of your site. Web standards also make it easier for people with disabilities to use and for web pages to be understood by browsers other than the usual ones.

Stability

Data using older versions of the standards will continue to work in new browsers and data using new standards will also produce an acceptable result.

Common Information Architecture Mistakes

What are some common information architecture mistakes that most web designers make when creating a website? This can be broken down into two categories. These categories are structure mistakes and navigation mistakes.

Structure Mistakes

One common structure mistake is that there is no structure to the website. This causes a lot of confusion for the user because they have no chance of understanding the site. This also causes them to leave the site quickly. Both the search and the structure should be integrated. The navigation designs need to indicate the user’s current location. After they click a result, they should know exactly where they are on the web page.

Navigation Mistakes

One major navigation mistake is having invisible navigation options. Don’t make the user search for the navigation. Nobody likes to have to search for it. Also, don’t put the navigation next to advertisements and similar items. This will cause the user to tune it out. Navigation elements that move or bounce also detract from the usability of the website. Consistent navigation is a must. Do not change the navigation with every page. This causes frustration.

These are just a few examples of the mistakes that are commonly made. There are many other mistakes that information architects make when designing a website.