Graphic Identity

Multimedia

Adding images, sound or video to a page of text can often help make your message more appealing. Unfortunately, images also increase the time it takes for your page to display in a user's browser. Seeking balance between aesthetics, function and speed is important.

Animated GIFs and other types of animation
Using animation on a Web site is not something you should do just because you can. Animated GIFs, the most common type of animation, are usually very large in size and are not generally interactive; they either play once or loop endlessly and become more distracting than attractive as a feature. Other types of animation, such as Flash, may require a special plugin to be downloaded and installed before the user can share the experience. There are instances where animation can be useful if designed carefully.

Audio and Video
This is another type of multimedia that can become unwieldy to use on your site because of the large size these files can possess. Also, quality is a huge factor in the success of using video and sound. It would be advisable to consult with some of the multimedia professionals on campus for assistance in developing audio or video materials for the Web. See the attached appendix for contact information.

Content
Organizing your content for publishing on a Web site is different than writing copy for a publication printed on paper. Web users tend to scan Web pages rather than carefully reading them line-for-line. It is important to structure your content so the main points are easy to pick out. Bulleted lists of important items are easier to scan than a paragraph of text. “Chunking” your information into logical sections also allows users to scan just the part of the page they need to access the information they seek. Visit the Training and Development Website for workshops on writing for the Web (http://www.hr.stthomas.edu/training/index.jsp).