Craft a 'look and feel'
The look and feel refers both to how the site works and the personality it conveys to the user. You should aim for a consitent look and feel so that the site feels 'unified'.Use unifying themes and structures that make the pages hold together.
A consistent look and feel helps your user feel more comfortable - they'll have an idea of what they can expect in future pages.
Make the look and feel appropriate to the audience and to the goal of the site.
Adhere to the general design principles of
* Simplicity- keep your message simple. Use only appropriate media and text - take a 'minimalist approach'. Consider carefully the reason for everything you put on the screen.
* Consistency# style of presentation from one section of the sequence to another (don't use formal language in one place and slang in another - your whole site should sound as if the same person wrote it)
# placement of items such as orientation information, navigation devices, user input, feedback, or operating instructions
# use of color (including "grays" in black and white)
# access structures such as headings
# use of cues (font, including size and style; bolding, italics, and color)
# style of graphics
# terminology (directions, prompts, menus, and help screens)
# names of commands and manner of evoking them
# interaction behavior required in similar situations (don't require a learner to click on a button one time and to type a character another time, if the situations are highly similar)(http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/skaalid/page/design/consistent.htm)
* Clarity
# Keep the instruction at a language level compatible with the intended learners.
# Avoid jargon and overly-scholarly language. (editor's note: unless that is your audience)
# Present ideas succinctly; keep your prose lean.
# Keep sentences short.
# Use "point form" (bulleted lists, like this one) whenever possible.
# Use the active, rather than the passive voice.
# Stay away from negative statements if possible; avoid double negatives entirely
# Use informal language....
# Use personal pronouns....
# Use examples that learners will find familiar. And do use lots of examples.
# Use inclusive (i.e., non-sexist, non-racial) language
(http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/skaalid/page/design/consistent.htm)
* BalanceConsider balance in terms of layout of objectives. Consider balance in terms of light and dark. Consider symmetry.
* Harmony & UnityHarmony is fostered by:
* Similar fonts and colors
* pictures which match the topic
* graphics which are similar in toneUnity can be fostered by:
* ensuring that all the items which are present on a page appear to belong together
* different pages in the site are similar in content and design.
(http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/skaalid/page/design/consistent.htm)