The importance of web page structure

To ensure usability, the layout of your web pages must be consistent, and consistently good.

Written by Philip Chalmers who is based in the Medway area of Kent, England, United Kingdom.

What is page structure?

It's how all the major parts of the page are arranged on the screen.

We'll have a look at what the major parts of a page are in a few minutes.

Why you need a consistent layout

To make life easier for the users:

Have at look at this example of inconsistent layout the link opens a new window.

Did you like using it?

Why you need to get it right at the start

If you don't, you face an unpleasant choice between:

And even if you re-work your pages, some users will resent that because they have to re-learn how to use your site.

Something to think about

Before you move on, make a list of all the major parts a web page might have.

Group them by the function these parts perform from the user's point of view, not by the techniques they use.

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