Website Features to Avoid

Avoid Reverse Video

Reverse Video is the display of text in a light color on a dark background color. Avoid using Reverse Video in your Website for two reasons. First, Reverse Video will not print text, unless the reverse video is a graphic element. Second, white text on a black background is difficult to read and can cause severe eyestrain.

Avoid Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a graphic display in the background with the content displayed on top of the Wallpaper. Wallpaper makes text difficult to read, particularly for people who have impaired vision. As we age, less light is emitted to the cornea and sharper contrast is required to see clearly. Unless you want to limit the legibility of your Website to people under age 40 with perfect 20/20 vision, avoid the use of Wallpaper.

Avoid Excessive Flashing/Glitter

Avoid excessive flashing, glitter and text with too many different bright colors. These features are distracting to the eye and take attention away from the message. Use flashing and text color changes sparingly.  [NOTE: Use some animation in your Advertisements to attract attention.]

Avoid Lengthy Download Time

Although a Website page technically can be any length and contain any number of graphics, if it takes too long to download, you will loose visitors to your Website. Guidelines for download time are based upon the most common modem speed currently in use (28.8 Kbps). Each web page should download in 30 seconds or less using a 28.8 modem. In order to achieve this download speed standard a web page should not contain more than two or three graphic images and a few printed pages (based on 8-1/2 x 11" paper).  Graphic images can be compressed to achieve desired download speeds.

Avoid Lengthy Pages

Although you can put the entire Library of Congress on one Website page, no one will read it if it takes forever to download! Brevity and Clarity are as important as the organization of your Website material. Additionally, your message on each page should be Written Concisely.  If your web page contains too much text or if the text is too verbose, Website visitors may be loose interest and leave.  

Plug-Ins

Plug-Ins are the Kiss of Death to a Website.  Avoid requiring a visitor to download a Plug-In to view your Website.  Use features which standard browsers support.

Audio Clips

If you use Audio Clips, offer the visitor the opportunity to turn the audio off before it plays.  Sometimes a visitor may not want to disturb others at home or at work.  Other times a visitor may want to play your audio clip.   Give your visitor the option.