In a previous blog, we wrote about the most common web design mistakes.  Here, we’re going to talk you through building and designing your own website. Even if you are a complete novice, once you have read both blogs you should have a clear idea on the do’s and don’ts of web design.

If you are designing your own website using a programme such as Dreamweaver or our own NS Builder you there will be many points that you have to take into consideration. You want the design to stand out, but at the same time clear, concise and easy to manage. The most important fact to remember is what you are trying to achieve. If you are selling products, make sure the shop and pay facilities are straightforward while if you are an information portal, make sure your site is easy to navigate.

If you are new to web design but are looking to create your own site, your web design programme should be very simple to use. You need to be able to update your website regularly, efficiently and trouble-free. Having a helpdesk available to you should you need it will be very important; especially in the early stages.

One of the most important points to remember is that your website needs to be accessible to everyone. Again, this is something we can help you with should you need it.

Finally, it’s important to remember that you don’t need to be an expert designer to create a good, basic website. Look at it constructively, get friends and family to test it with feedback and don’t be afraid to change things if they’re not working. If you are having problems reading a certain font, then it is not right. If your friends/family can’t find the links or pages they’re looking for then it is too difficult to navigate. Once you are happy with the overall look, content and navigation you will be ready to go live.  However, this will not be the end, you will have to closely monitor it and update it when necessary.

Last week ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) announced significant changes in the way web domains will begin appear. In addition to the most common web suffixes such as .com and location specific domains like .co.uk, domain names can now be based on any string of letters, allowing the registration of thousands of new domain names. Businesses will now be allowed to apply for a far wider range of domains including more specific locations like .london and .scotland and suffixes relevant to particular industries such as .bank, .flight, .entertainment or .gamble. The existing system categorises web addresses under 260 geographic and general names. The new domain names will begin to appear next year.

There has been concern among the web community as the changes will surely make the web a more complex and expensive place for small businesses and home users, while affecting web security and opening up more opportunities for fraudsters and cybersquatters. Small companies will find it more expensive to maintain their web presence as they be will be forced to buy a lot more domains. The pricing of the new domains will also vary more.

One of the biggest concerns is that the changes could lead the way to a huge online red light district where all adult sites would carry the .xxx or similar suffixes. ICANN had cleared this type of domain then later withdrew it. The process of clearing a new suffix involves the the applicant going through an initial review where anyone can raise concerns on aspects such as racism or trademark issues though if no objection is raised approval will be very quick.

Other changes in consideration include the use of non-English characters in web addresses which would allow Chinese or Arabic letters to appear. The demand for these type of names has been increasing due to the fact that the the internet expands to non English speakers and those who cannot easily type English characters. This particular type of change would definitely be positive for web accessibility.

Links

BBC News Article on the subject: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7475986.stm

BBC Video Report: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7474203.stm