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	This site has undergone a number of complete overhauls over the years. Some have been needed due to our expanded services, others are brought on by a desire to create a better design in light of our experiences as web developers. We also receive feedback from visitors regarding the strengths and weaknesses of our site, in both its layout and content. The latest update of the site was brought on by the recognition that the phrase "knowledge management" was starting to gain some common meaning. This has allowed us to more simply describe the range of skills we have always applied. During August 2001, we therefore restructured the site to increase its simplicity and clarity. Design principles For this site, we have chosen not to develop a highly graphical site built using complex and advanced technologies. Instead, we have focused on the single most important aspect of any website: usability. We have attempted to design every aspect of this site according to our best understanding of user interface design and usability. Once live, we plan to use visitor feedback to further refine the appearance and behaviour of the site. Colours: The site uses black text on a white background. This has high contrast, which aids readability, and also prints well. Describing links: Links from the main page of the site are accompanied by descriptive text. This makes it easier for the user to choose the correct page. [1] About us: The front page provides immediate information about Step Two Designs, allowing visitors to quickly assess whether our services are of value to them. Content: The proportion of the page taken up by content has been maximised, with all other design elements kept to a minimum. [2] Page size: The page width has been kept narrow for two reasons: shorter lines are easier to read; at this size, the text fits on a standard printed page. Navigation aids: There is no sidebar, or other standard navigation elements on each page, with the sole exception of the "breadcrumbs" beneath the page heading. It has been found that most navigation tools are frequently ignored by users, and therefore should be used sparingly. [3] Related topics: Clearly-defined sections list links to related pages. Flat structure: A "broad and shallow" structure has been used, allowing the user to find each page with a minimum number of clicks. Such a structure also reduces the chances of the user becoming lost. Plain HTML: The site uses plain HTML, with no Java, Javascript, or other extensions. This allow the site to be viewed using a wide range of web browsers (and therefore be read by the largest possible audience). Valid HTML: All pages on the site have been validated against the W3C HTML standard. This helps to ensure that the site works across all browsers. [1] Web Site Usability: A Designer's Guide, Jared M. Spool et al, page 35. [2] Jakob Nielsen in Designing Web Usability (pp 18-22) recommends that content should take up to 80% of the screen real-estate. [3] Is Navigation Useful?, Jakob Nielsen.

	For questions or comments please contact the Webmaster. Last updated 21 July 2004. © Copyright 2004, Step Two Designs Pty Ltd, ABN 99 081 019 623. All rights reserved. Intranet Peers and Intranet Roadmap are trademarks of Step Two Designs.