Web Page Design Tips

The design of the home page is left to the discretion of the page's creator(s). However, home pages residing on the MGCCC server must have a professional, consistent look.

A template is available for department Web pages. Creators of department Web pages can view the source for this page and save it as a template for their home pages. It meets the guidelines set through this policy.

• Graphics, which should be kept to a reasonable size, should be loaded as .GIF or .JPEG images.
• Keep heads to a minimum size (no larger than 5).
• Text can be colored, but keep the number of colors to a  minimum. Use color if you want to draw attention to a certain area on the page.
• Each page must have a footer set apart from the body of the  page (with a line or paragraph separator). The footer must include the  following information: the date the page was last updated; the MGCCC logo; appropriate address and telephone numbers (creators may opt to make this information one of the introductory links at the top of the page); name and e-mail address of the page's creator; and the copyright clause; and the statement, "This page is maintained by (name of  person responsible for page) and has been approved by the Institutional Relations Department."
• Use headlines, photos and graphic images as entry points into  your site. But remember: Keep it simple and make sure your headlines make sense. The headlines may be the first and only message a user sees.
• Use bulleted information, sidebars, summaries and/or small copy blocks to improve the page's readability and keep the users interested.
• Keep your vital information "above the fold." Of course, not all information will fit in this area and more information will be located further down on the page. You can use anchors within your page or link to other pages, however, to make your information more visible.
• Keep photos small and in good taste and form. Contact the District Photographer for hints on taking photographs appropriate for college publications. Always have photo subjects sign an MGCCC Model Release Form before loading pages onto the college server. These forms are available through the Institutional Relations department.

Hints and Suggestions for Web Page Publishing

• Spend some time browsing the Internet. Review other college and departmental pages to get design ideas.
• Organize and plan your department page by making an outline. Consider the page's flow, from links to graphics to information. Make it easy for users to find the information they need. KEEP IT SIMPLE.
• Create files for your pages. Use HTML editing software, such as Microsoft Frontpage or other user-friendly software. If there is a question regarding editing software, contact the Webmaster in Institutional Relations.
• Proofread! Make sure all links are active before submitting your page for approval. Check for spelling and grammar errors.
• Keep all information on your page current. The Webmaster will check all department pages on a regular basis, ensuring that pages are updated and that no offensive material or links are included within the pages.
• Department pages should be visually appealing, and all information should be well written. If you have concerns about writing or design, contact the Webmaster in Institutional Relations. Remember: the design and content of your page is just as important as the technical aspects.
• Consider your audience when writing and designing. Faculty and  staff may need different information and a different look than that needed by students and community residents.
• Before using data about the college, such as the enrollment  numbers, the number of faculty, etc., contact the Institutional Research and Planning department for accurate figures.
• Use type, type sizes and colors that are easy to read. Not everyone has 20/20 vision, and not everyone likes reading type on a dark (black, etc.) background. Also, remember that white text does not print out.
• Use upper and lower case as often as possible. All capital letters look redundant and don't read as well.
• Not all browsers display pages in the same way. View your pages using a variety of browsers, such as Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator. Also, Internet users have different size monitors, fewer colors and some choose to not download images.