There are many ‘Web Design Myths’, usability and design constraints that clients request having once heard that this is best practice. Most of these have come from the good old days of web design or even from constraints imposed on printed media. It is very often the job of a web designer to gently dispel these myths and dissuade clients from forcing them upon their site designs.

One such myth is the myth of the page fold, the point at which a user needs to scroll down to access content on your site. It was said that users would not scroll the page down meaning all content on your homepage should sit above this virtual line. The term originates from newspapers where the attention grabbing headlines would appear ‘above the fold’ so as to be seen on the newsstands.

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“Everybody who knows what they’re doing in web development and web design is now pretty much on board [the web standards] train even though not everyone [...] shares exactly the same understanding.” Jeffrey Zeldman.

Anyone thinking of going into web design or development should watch this video of Jeffrey Zeldman, one of the people credited with founding web standards. Click here.

(Si – NOW I understand why you keep banging on about AA this and AA that! Jim)

OK, well this might be a bit of a techie rant against the Microsoft machine and its shoddy, market dominating browser, Internet Explorer, but firstly its a valid one and secondly its more about recognising the huge achievements of a lesser known browser, Opera. There are a myriad of different browsers and different browser versions being used all with different capabilities and different ways of displaying the same website content, this makes our jobs as web content creators very tricky.

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According to a survey commissioned by ClickandBuy, a leading internet payment system, it seems that online merchants are losing business by not offering a sufficiently wide choice of internet payment methods.  The survey of 2000 online British adults, which was carried out by independent survey firm YouGov, found that half (50 per cent) of those who regularly shop online said that if their preferred payment method is not available, they will cancel the purchase.   

Supporting this statistic is that over one third (40 per cent) of all adults surveyed said that they would feel more comfortable purchasing from a retailer who offers a wide range of payment methods than a retailer who only offers one payment option. 

To read the full article click here

Search engines exist to provide relevant, useful search results for their users. They are not there to benefit companies who are proficient at optimizing websites. If you think you have thought of a clever way to fool them – forget it. They are not easily tricked and, if they catch you, they will probably ban you. For businesses that depend on leads and enquiries from their websites, this can literally prove fatal.

If you want to drive people to your latest, beautifully designed website, concentrate on the following tips for generating web traffic, and don’t cheat! Click here.

We’re pleased to announce the launch of the new Princess Yachts International website, which went live in conjunction with this year’s Southampton Boat Show. The data-driven Flash website features videos and detailed specifications for twenty of Princess’ luxury yachts, plus ‘the Princess experience’ walkthrough, an interactive historic timeline, distributors map and up-to-the-minute interactive calendar. We dispensed completely with the old layout and navigation, building this site from scratch to bring the web presence in line with the Princess brand identity and corporate communications, which include the latest brochures and advertising campaigns. The website is now live at www.princessyachts.com.

At DNA we love our cars, so redesigning the website for the Volvo dealership, Cambridge Garage, was a project we really wanted. The website went live in July with a great response from the Volvo team in Portsmouth. In fact, they were so pleased with our handy-work they asked us to redesign their corporate newsletter as well! The clean, image-driven design reflects the progressive style being championed by Volvo Cars UK, as it aims to target a more youthful and diverse customer group than before. And yet at the same time we were careful not to lose the heritage and personality of the Cambridge Garage, which has been operating itself for over 70 years.

The new Ascari website is now live, following an intensive 6-month marketing and design programme. We are delighted to have been involved from the project’s inception, working with Ascari’s senior management team to define the brand’s positioning and key messaging before we began filming, photography, design and web build. Ascari manufactures bespoke high performance production and GT3 cars, runs an exclusive private members’ club and owns an exquisite race resort in southern Spain. DNA is now working with Ascari to implement a sales and marketing plan specifically aimed at the UK market.

Go to www.ascari.net to see the new website.