General site standards for IU Kokomo Web sites
In addition to specific directions found elsewhere
on this site, there are some general principles that should guide
the development of all IU Kokomo
Web sites. The purpose of these principles is to help you
construct a site that is user-centered and works with different
types of computer systems and browsers. Please note that
administrative
sites are expected to adhere closely to the IU Kokomo
templates, and academic and auxiliary
sites are expected to adhere to the core template navigation
and concepts.
Organization
| Cost | Design | About
Flash | About
Frames | Text
| Navigation | Courtesy
Organization
Begin with a sustainable, platform-independent
organizational structure for your site:
- PLAN your site's information architecture
before building the site. Establish directories, subdirectories,
and navigational paths. If you require assistance with developing
a logical site architecture, contact the
Web Manager.
- Make sure that the default file in each directory and subdirectory
is titled "index.shtml", all lowercase.
- Use lowercase titles for all your file names.
- Make sure that file names have proper extensions,
such as .shtml, .html, .htm, .jpg, .gif, .swf, etc.
- Do not use spaces or punctuation in file names,
other than the underscore "_" convention.
- Use intuitive naming for your files and directories—keep
file names as short and descriptive
as possible (less than 15 characters where possible).
- Place all your images and graphics in a subdirectory
called "images." This subdirectory
should be located within your site's top-level directory.
- Use relative pathnames for links and images,
where possible.
- Use the university's name in the top (title) bar of
the browser window for every page on your site—even
those in the lower tiers. You may abbreviate to IU Kokomo, but it is
important to identify all IU Kokomo Web pages as such.
