WEBSITE "ATTITUDE" DESIGN
Issue 21, July 2001
By Marie Gallagher
Graphic Design & Support

As a Web Designer, I must factor in several aspects when approaching a new website design, including aestetics and usability. In both of these instances, the "attitude" of a web site is very important.

The following article is a snippet from a very informative book that inspires web designers to think about often overlooked factors, such as web attitude, when designing a web site. Please refer to his book for further information. Web Attitude Written by: Jakob Nielsen author of "Designing Web Usability"

"Although web text should be short, it should not be without personality. Usability studies show that users appreciate some amount of humor and attitude in web pages. Note that "attitude" does not mean screaming or whining at readers, or treating them to a punkish diatribe. What's respected is the presence of a clear voice, perspective, and personality in the exposition. Angry young writers write for each other; most of the web audience tunes them out. Users have a distinct dislike for anything they deem marketing fluff. The Web is a rather "cool" medium that encourages the use of facts with links to back-up datasheets and detailed numbers. You cannot get away with the superficial hyperbole that may work in television commercials or magazine advertising. When users see pages that have lots of blather in place of facts, they instantly discount the site's credibility.

The correct amount of attitude in a web page is: Not too much, not too little. "