Giving content audits a miss
When content audits are not a good idea Gerry McGovern points out that sometimes a content audit is a waste of time, when you would be better just removing all content and focussing on users’ key tasks. …the…
Search by tag: content
Whitespace, copywriting and Google Now
Why whitespace matters There is a tendency among non-experts to cram as much information as possible onto a webpage. But you should not think of whitespace as wasted space. Designers know that whitespace is hugely…
The importance of content
Three interesting articles about content that I have come across recently. The importance of copywriting for UX Interesting examples of poor copywriting, and why it is important to write in plain language. Respect your…
Why redesigns go down badly, and the importance of words
Designing embraceable change This article is rather old, but I only came across it this week and I quite enjoyed it. It explains why many website redesigns go down badly, even if they are an improvement over the old…
Readability on the web
How users read Gov.uk have published their Service Design Manual, an amazingly comprehensive resource about digital service delivery. This particular section outlines the background to the Government Digital Service’s…
Microcopy and calls to action
There is a theme to this week’s selection – microcopy. Microcopy is the really short items of content – navigation labels, the wording of submit buttons, and so on. This can have a big effect on the success of a…
T4 Site Manager and writing for the web training sessions
We are now making a more concerted effort to provide training to our users on a more regular basis. TerminalFour Site Manager T4 Site Manager training will now be held monthly. This session gives an overview of Site…
Help us prevent broken links on the University website
One of the most frequent problems with content on the University website is broken links. Frustratingly, many of these broken links are perfectly avoidable. With a bit of extra care, content owners can take one simple…
Learn about writing for the web
The University’s Staff Development team is providing a course on writing for the web. It will take place 19 November from 1.15 pm to 4.30 pm at Seminar Rooms 3 and 4, David Russell Apartments. If you produce content…
Horizon scanning at IWMW10
Earlier this month Gareth and I attended the Institutional Web Management Workshop 2010 (IWMW10), held at the University of Sheffield. It was my first time at IWMW, and since I still feel slightly new to the Web in a…