Week 2 Flashcards
Covers all of the content taught in Week 2 (15 cards)
What are web standards and who defines them?
Web standards are technical specifications for building and accessing websites. Defined by the W3C, they ensure consistency, accessibility, and interoperability across the web. They cover areas like HTML, CSS, accessibility, security, and web APIs.
Why are web standards important?
They ensure:
Interoperability: Consistent experience across browsers and devices.
Accessibility: Inclusive access for people with disabilities.
Ease of Maintenance: Simplified updates and scalability.
Innovation: Stable base for new technologies.
Security: Reduced vulnerabilities.
Vendor Neutrality: Prevents monopolies.
User Trust: Reliable and predictable experiences.
What were the “browser wars” and how did they affect web standards?
Between 1995–2000s, Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator competed by using proprietary features, often ignoring web standards. This caused websites to break on different browsers, increasing development costs and fragmenting the user experience. It also introduced security flaws.
Why was Adobe Flash phased out from web development?
Flash didn’t comply with web standards, performed poorly on mobile, and had major security vulnerabilities. Apple banned it on iPhones (2007), and it was fully discontinued by 2023. Standards-based alternatives like HTML5 replaced Flash, offering better performance and cross-platform support.
What does Jakob Nielsen mean by “survival of the easiest”?
Usability determines whether users stay or leave. If a website is intuitive, users are more likely to complete tasks and return. Poor usability causes frustration and abandonment.
What are Nielsen’s 5 usability components?
Learnability – How easy it is for first-time users to do tasks.
Efficiency – How fast users complete tasks after learning.
Memorability – How easily users regain skills after time away.
Errors – How often mistakes happen and how easily users recover.
Satisfaction – Overall pleasantness of use.
How is usability related to user experience (UX)?
Usability focuses on functionality and ease of use, while UX includes the broader emotional and experiential aspects. Usability is a key component of UX.
Why is consistency in design important for usability?
Users arrive with expectations. For example, logos are often in the top-left corner and search bars in the top-right. Breaking conventions can confuse users and reduce effectiveness.
What are some usability-focused design questions?
Is the site easy to navigate?
Can users find what they need quickly?
Do design elements support ease of use?
Does the layout reflect the site’s purpose?
How should designers use a browser’s screen space?
Web designs must account for lower resolution and eye strain. Important info should be visible quickly, using clear layouts that respect how users scan content.
Why is planning crucial in web design?
Planning helps align content with user needs, define tasks, assign roles, and set timelines. Without planning, websites may reflect internal company structures instead of user-friendly navigation.
What common planning mistakes did Jakob Nielsen identify?
Treating websites like static brochures
Lack of team coordination
Designing for internal hierarchies instead of user journeys
What kind of planning model did Reiss propose?
An iterative model, where design is continuously refined rather than completed in a single linear process. It supports flexible, user-centered development.
Why is information architecture important in planning?
It organizes content in a logical way so users can navigate easily, complete tasks efficiently, and understand how to interact with the site.
What are the common types of website structures?
Linear – One path (e.g., slideshows).
Tutorial – Guided learning paths.
Web – Freeform links between pages.
Hierarchical – Tree-like structure (most common).
Cluster – Grouped categories.
Catalogue – Organized listings (e.g., e-commerce).
Modern models (UXPIN) simplify this into:
Hierarchical, Sequential, Matrix, and Database-based.
Real-world sites often use hybrid structures.
