Tips on How to Redesign a Large (Dynamic) Website

Redesigning large dynamic websites can either be easy or problematic. Read how you can redesign your large website easily and efficiently.

Before you actually make any changes to a site know the several types of large sites:

1. large static sites using pages with .html extension
2. large sites with Server Side Includes without a CMS
3. sites with a content management system

-using templates for layout

-using built-in layout

These site types are different in terms of how easy it is to change the site look. Let's see how exactly it works for them.

Static sites

Large static sites, usually on HTML, are quite rare. If you want to change such a site easily, you'll have to use Server Side Includes and any programming, if needed.

To redesign your site with SSI to the site, you'll have to do the following:

1. Create a new layout, which includes all necessary design blocks and content
2. Divide the page into parts: the includes
3. Introduce the Server Side Includes code into every page on your site.It is required for the site to be edited easily.

You can always install a CMS for an often updated website: it'll require putting all the content in the database, though.

Sites without CMS

To change the site design, you just need to create a design and divide it between includes. Most likely, you'll need to create the includes from scratch and readjust the pages accordingly.

Large sites with CMS

Large sites require extensive efforts to maintain them. There are a lot of CMS's, but, generally, they can be divided into two groups: customizable and non-customizable.

Sites with customizable CMS

Some use templates (default visual layouts, used for different types of pages), some change the page look with the help of a user interface. Basically, it may be best to use a CMS on templates to be able to customize the layout. To redesign such a site, simply redesign the templates your CMS uses to change the site appearance.

Sites with non-customizable CMS

Steps on CMS that can not change visual layout should be best redesigned with the help of a better CMS, or, if the site is small enough, just with Server Side Includes. This simply means that the site layout needs to be designed from scratch and the site owner has gained a chance of setting up an easily-customizable back-end solution for his website.

Summing up

In short, how a large site can be redesigned depends on how it was built. If it is possible to adjust a template layout, so much the better. However, if a CMS can't change the site appearance, it'd be best to replace the CMS with an easily customizable CMS, which is also web standards compliant (on CSS).

Source : http://www.webpronews.com/expertarticles/2006/08/01/tips-on-how-to-redesign-a-large-dynamic-website

Top 7 Things I Wish I'd Known About Web Design

Written by Jamie Kiley

1. Reading is incredibly valuable

In my opinion, both books and online newsletters are very valuable. Books are more methodical than newsletters, but newsletters are free and can cover more up-to-date topics. Personally, I try to read on a variety of subjects.

2. It's imperative to understand the target audience and the primary goal
for every client.

In order to design a site that truly meets a client's needs, the designer must understand what the site is supposed to accomplish, and what kind of visitor they will be working with.

3. A basic understanding of search engine optimization and copywriting is imperative.

Although you can design a website without knowledge in these areas, it's pretty hard to design a GOOD site without knowing at least something about SEO and copywriting. Designers have to realize their craft revolves around their ability to communicate a message-and that is dependent on the site's copy and visibility. Without any content or traffic, a designer's work doesn't do any good.

4. It helps immensely to narrow your own target market as a designer.

It means restricting your focus to e-commerce sites, or single pages for sales letters, or B2B sites, or sites in a specific industry, focus is key. It allows you to become specialized in one area and to develop real expertise in that niche.

5. Web designers should be marketers, first and foremost.
If a web designer does not understand the mindset of a marketer or a salesperson, they won't understand the logic of how to create pages that sell.

6. The point of graphic design is to increase functionality, NOT to create something that looks pretty.

As soon as designers begin treating appearance (and graphic design) as an end in itself, functionality starts to suffer. Instead, graphic designers have to recognize that every line of text, every photo, every button, and every other element on the page should be designed to make the page more functional.

7. Knowing the rules is good, and knowing when to break them is better.

You learn the rules and principles that underlie good design, you're a step ahead of the crowd. But if you have skill in knowing how to apply (and when NOT to apply) those rules and principles, you're leaps and bounds ahead. Knowing (and following) the basic conventions of the web is very important, but it's even more important to be able to think through the logic of a given situation.

Want to Know in Detail then Read Top 7 Things I Wish I'd Known About Web Design

eCommerce Site Design: What do you Really Think?

Take some time to research your competitor's websites. What seems to work on their site? What have they done really well? How does this information stack up with your site? What have you learned ?

Many ecommerce sites will phase in new site designs every two years or so. There are always new techniques and software applications to assist in the development of something that catches attention and is highly functional.

Have friends and associates try a beta version of the site to bring to light any flaws in the design. There is nothing worse than pushing a new site design that is riddled with flaws and broken links.

Many sites have enjoyed using Flash design in site development only to discover search engines don't access the information in Flash. While the functionality of Flash is a positive for visitors it may be best to develop a Flash and Non-Flash version of your site so search engines can read your site content.

Want to read more eCommerce Site Design: What do you Really Think ?

News Article Design: 20 Tips For Good Web Copy

Submitted by Jason Lee Miller


Clean is better. Eye-tracking studies say so.Web copy should be bulleted,concise,easy. Photos should be informative, not decorative. White space is good. And guys like looking at George Brett's protective cup.

For more Click at News Article Design: 20 Tips For Good Web Copy