Now that you have gotten your content and graphics, it is time to combine them to form a page. A proper layout will enable your reader to find and view the content easily. Conversely, an unorganized site will leave your reader confused.
Maintaining consistency
Throughout your site, you should strive to keep to the same site layout, with as little variations as possible. This way, your readers will be accustomed to where your navigation panel, homepage button, search field etc. are.
A splash page is a page which a viewer will see prior to entering the main page. Very often, splash pages may contain a short introduction to their site. Animations are also commonly found on splash pages. An example will be the
A Dollar A Day site.
Splash pages also allow viewers to select their preferences such as their language, color scheme, font size, etc. An example of such a site is the e-Divide: Information Inequality site.
Should you use a splash page?
Some people deem splash pages unnecessary. Having to enter a splash page before viewing the main page is a hassle to some. It is not as advisable to have a splash page, as it would be irritating to people on return visits. Splash page is even classified to be one of the obstacles to web accessibility as it slows down access to the content and causes people surfing on poor bandwidth to suffer. As items on the splash page can be integrated into the home page, it may appear redundant.
Should you choose not to include a splash page, your homepage will be the first thing that your viewers will come across. You should provide an introduction of your entire site on your homepage, to interest the viewer to read on. It might also be a good idea to have a stunning photograph on your homepage to leave a lasting impression. Avoid overdoing it though; keep your homepage as minimal as possible.
Headers
Every page should have a clear header to allow your viewers to know what page they are viewing. Headers are normally presented at the top.
Navigation Panel
Every site requires a navigation panel.[refer to site content] The panel may be made up of pure text, or even graphics, allowing your viewer to select their desired location within your site.
Your navigation panel should contain the headings of all your main categories, including a link to the homepage of your site. You may also consider including sub categories, or even individual pages within your navigation panel, to further aid the browsing of your site.
You may however, find your panel becoming too lengthy and confusing. This can be solved by using dropdown menus or JavaScript solutions such as: Math Maze site.
This way, your navigation panel is kept neat.
Conventionally, navigation panels are placed on the left hand side of the webpage, or at the top of your web page. Sometimes, navigation panels may even be placed on the right. It is your choice of placement, but it is not advisable to place your navigation panel at the bottom of your web page, as it would be too troublesome to scroll downwards.
Text
The position of your content should remain the same throughout your site. Avoid changing the placement of your content.
More often than not, content text is not presented directly against the background. Neither is the navigation panel, nor the header. Text is usually placed onto other elements; let's refer to them as "backings", before they are put onto the page.
Consider the following layout:
With the use of backings, in this case, rectangles, there is a clear divide between the content, the navigation panel, and the header. There is a strong visual contrast and the visual entry points are clearly defined.
It is important to contrast the different elements of your page. You would not want your navigation to blend in together with your text, nor do you want to have a header which does not stand out. The color of your backings should contrast with your background color as well.
Should you place your text against backings, make sure that your text is readable. You might want to recall what has been written in the colors section.
Graphics
Graphics may be presented within your text, or as separate entities. If need be, adjust the graphic colors, contrast and brightness to suit the feel of the page. Your graphics should strive to be asethetically pleasing yet purposeful.