Here is a summary of our session with Dr. Homero Gil de Zuniga, professor in the Department of Journalism at the University of Texas, as described by chairperson, Kirsten:
I'll admit it - I don't do a lot of things on the Web for my company. I'm a modern girl in many respects, but I love paper! Blackberry? No. Franklin planner? YES! Fortunately, my traditional company allows me to continue my love of paper through our printed marketing materials and publications, but if I'm honest with myself, even we are putting more and more of these items online.
So how do we paper-lovers adapt - and adapt effectively - to the Online World in such a way that our companies' Web sites are useful and useable? Enter Dr. Homero Gil de Zuniga...
Homero's conversational, animated and often humorous approach to explaining the good and bad of Web design kept our attention for the duration of his presentation.
From the very basic concepts of user habits and study to the B-word (not that word...I mean BLOGGING! ), Homero taught us about what makes a good, user-friendly Web site.
We started by examining user trends with the Poynter Institute studies. We found that we could also study our own habits here. Then we learned about icons, images and connotation. And how the use of these can enhance a Web page if placed properly.
And then we learned about C.R.A.P. No, really, we did! But the good kind: contrast, repetition, alignment and proximity. These concepts can make or break a Web site. Homero even took us to the World's Worst Web site. (And yes, after a few minutes there, we were happy to leave!)
Finally, we tackled the concept of blogging...more on a how-to level than principles, though. We all know that many companies are using this interactive approach to learn more about what their customers and employees think or need.
Homero got a great response from just about everyone who attended...looking around the room during the presentation, everyone was into it, and that is a sign of a great speaker. We appreciate Homero's time with us! Now, we're prepared to get a little introspective and check out our companies' sites to see if they are good, bad or in need of improvement!
- Kirsten
I'll admit it - I don't do a lot of things on the Web for my company. I'm a modern girl in many respects, but I love paper! Blackberry? No. Franklin planner? YES! Fortunately, my traditional company allows me to continue my love of paper through our printed marketing materials and publications, but if I'm honest with myself, even we are putting more and more of these items online.
So how do we paper-lovers adapt - and adapt effectively - to the Online World in such a way that our companies' Web sites are useful and useable? Enter Dr. Homero Gil de Zuniga...
Homero's conversational, animated and often humorous approach to explaining the good and bad of Web design kept our attention for the duration of his presentation.
From the very basic concepts of user habits and study to the B-word (not that word...I mean BLOGGING! ), Homero taught us about what makes a good, user-friendly Web site.
We started by examining user trends with the Poynter Institute studies. We found that we could also study our own habits here. Then we learned about icons, images and connotation. And how the use of these can enhance a Web page if placed properly.
And then we learned about C.R.A.P. No, really, we did! But the good kind: contrast, repetition, alignment and proximity. These concepts can make or break a Web site. Homero even took us to the World's Worst Web site. (And yes, after a few minutes there, we were happy to leave!)
Finally, we tackled the concept of blogging...more on a how-to level than principles, though. We all know that many companies are using this interactive approach to learn more about what their customers and employees think or need.
Homero got a great response from just about everyone who attended...looking around the room during the presentation, everyone was into it, and that is a sign of a great speaker. We appreciate Homero's time with us! Now, we're prepared to get a little introspective and check out our companies' sites to see if they are good, bad or in need of improvement!
- Kirsten
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