Smoke's concerns about Web site design do have validity, but NCPTT's Web
site <www.ncptt.nps.gov> is not appropriate as an example of what not to
do. On the contrary, the designers have worked long and hard to
circumvent the very issues that Smoke brings up.
 
It's true that most browsers don't allow you to bookmark pages within
framed sites. However, NCPTT's Web site does not fall prey to this
problem, because every page loads in a new frameset. This allows users
to bookmark any page in the site, and also see the URL of the current
page.  And if a user's browser is not capable of dealing with frames, a
no-frames version of NCPTT's site will automatically open.
 
Smoke's comment about lateral movement within a site is valid, and it is
one that NCPTT addresses very well. In each section, there is immediate
lateral access to all subsections, making the site very easy to
navigate.  In fact, frames were used because they allow the site's
navigation to be readily available even on long, scrolling pages.
 
Everything included in the NCPTT site is there because it best serves
the purposes of the Web site. And that should also be the case with the
SHA site.  Content should always have priority over aesthetics.  Design
is NOT about ornamentation but about effective integration of content
with information architecture, graphic design, and technology.
 
Planning is critical to the Web site design process and SHA's asking for
input at the outset is an excellent way to start!  Feel free to contact
me if you have any questions about NCPTT's site and/or the design
process.
 
Mary S. Carroll
Information Management Coordinator
National Center for Preservation Technology and Training
NSU Box 5682, Natchitoches LA  71497
318/357-6464 voice 318/357-6421 fax
[log in to unmask] http://www.ncptt.nps.gov
 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Michael A. Pfeiffer [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Thursday, July 30, 1998 8:08 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Re: SHA Website
>
> Susannah:  One of the major things to avoid in the layout of the SHA
> website is
> exactly what the NPS NCPTT did.  The fewer number of levels it takes
> for the
> seeker to get their information, the better.  Cutsie crap like using
> "frames"
> and lots of unnecessary graphics makes uploading a long and
> unnecessary process
> for those poor souls who have old 386 and 486 computers or with older
> and
> smaller modems.  A lot of folks like at AOL pay by time and it costs
> them money
> to wade through all of that stuff.  I have been surfing the internet
> for 6
> years and the only ones who seem to like frames are the website owners
> and the
> frames designers.  When one is in frames, the only thing that can be
> bookmarked
> is the dang home page and not the particular document or section that
> the
> person really wants to visit again.  Another problem with frames is
> that only
> the home or major section section "url" is shown.  So if one wants to
> write
> down that location for another person or make other reference to it,
> they can
> not obtain the exact location.  This also makes it harder, if not
> impossible,
> to retrieve documents via FTP or e-mail.  Each section should have a
> good
> description of what is in it and the users should be able to "lateral"
> from one
> area to another without backtracking to the home page or major section
> page.  I
> really appreciate the chance make suggestions on this.  Thank You.
> Smoke Pfeiffer
>
>
>