Archive for February, 2009

University of Virginia – Department of Environmental Sciences – Episode #47

Monday, February 9th, 2009

Site Scores:

Site Visual Information Code Overall
University of Virginia – Department of Environmental Sciences 95 85 94 (274/300) 91% A-

Today’s Tip:

When constructing a web page that has a natural hierarchy of information always use the header (h1-h6) tags to distinguish between the headings and the rest of the content related to it. It not only gives a visual representations of the sections but also shows search engines what are the important topics on the page. Last but not least someone on a screen reader can also take advantage of these headers to jump to specific content.


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Dallas Theological Seminary – Episode #46

Friday, February 6th, 2009

Site Scores:

Site Visual Information Code Overall
Dallas Theological Seminary 98 96 82 (276/300) 92% A-

Today’s Tip:

Not displaying your information in the “tradition” format of a list of links can catch people’s attention. If you have a list of stats, why not make the numbers large so your users eyes get attracted to them. Place items next to each other as a comparison instead of in a list. Using icons and colors always helps too.

Episode Links:


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California State University – Monterey Bay – Episode #45

Thursday, February 5th, 2009

Site Scores:

Site Visual Information Code Overall
California State University – Monterey Bay 66 83 50 (199/300) 66% D

Today’s Tip:

Giving options is good, the user should always feel like they have options. The simplest example is for them to have an escape route, request more information, apply or ask a question. You can get even more creative by giving them context options, like if you are on a page that explains the fitness center put the fitness classes on the page or the hours or personal trainer information. Adding this related information will make the user feel like they have options and ultimately keep them on your page longer.


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Gardner-Webb University – Episode #44

Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009

Site Scores:

Site Visual Information Code Overall
Gardner-Webb University 72 65 75 (212/300) 70% C-

Today’s Tip:

If you are going to have an audience menu make sure it is prominent enough that users are going to notice it. Make sure the navigation is defined enough so the user is not confused by its function. If it is a menu, make it look and act like a menu, your user will thank you.


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