Module 3 - Standard Task 1

The 5 most important ‘rules’ I believe for writing online are:

1. Trustworthy/credible – the website needs to be trustworthy otherwise users have no way of knowing whether to believe the content and will move to another site.
   
2. Consistent navigation – users not being able to navigate around your site can be disastrous. If users cannot find the information they are after, they will find it elsewhere.
3. Usability/simple design – users need to be able to view the website without any hindrances. If flash or other types of movement is required on your site, then go for it. However, if the site is for information purposes only, then there is no need for users to have to download large images or have movement when it is not required.
4. Currency – there is nothing worse than visiting a website that hasn’t been updated for months or even years.
5. Be concise – web users read pages differently from printed versions. Users scan pages to see if the content is relevant so it is important to highlight keywords, use subheadings, lists, etc to ensure users know the content is relevant.

References:
Allen, M.. (n.d.). "Module 3 Contributing to the Infosphere". Retrieved July 12, 2009 from http://lms.curtin.edu.au/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_18825_1&content_id=_985242_1