[WEB4LIB] RE: What's good design? :-)

[Garwood, Steve]

This might be kind of the opposite spectrum of the design issue, but I find
this site to be awesome and very oriented to design issues (though not
always "good" design)

http://www.commarts.com/CA/

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: Melody Danley [mailto:danleym at sls.lib.il.us]
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2001 2:12 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [WEB4LIB] RE: What's good design? :-)


I don't know of any studies but it would be interesting to read them if
they're out there. However, when considering the issues of buttons, eye
strain
from long term viewing wouldn't be the issue since the user doesn't expect
to
be there long.

We're in the process of a redesign and a big issue is making sure the
important basic info and buttons fit on the user's screen without scrolling.
That's asking a lot when there's so much they want on there. A constant
complaint in the committee meetings while looking at various websites was
the
size of the type on the buttons, and readability due to color choices and
reverses.

Melody

Nancy Sosna Bohm wrote:

> > Just now getting caught up on my email...
> >
> > I've been involved as a graphic designer in the print industry for 20
> years
> > and it' always been a "no-no" to use reversed text on a dark background
> when
> > it needs to be so small. It is difficult to read for those with the best
> > eyesight, and add the anti-aliasing on top of it, it can be nearly
> impossible
> > for some people to read. Unfortunately, it's a very popular look but
it's
> a
> > better practice to work on an alternative design. Ultimately, the user
> would
> > be much happier.
> >
>
> But are there studies that prove this to be true for light-emitting sreens
> as it is for light-reflecting pages? Just wondering, and thinking dark
> backgrounds would be less of a strain over time than the glare of a white
> background.

--
Melody Danley
Graphics and Display Coordinator
Downers Grove Public Library
1050 Curtiss Street
Downers Grove, IL  60515
www.downersgrovelibrary.org