A gorgeous web page
Anybody with access to a computer and some free web-building software can make a cheesy-looking web page. But can you make a gorgeous web page?
A faculty web page that you can be proud of should include
photos of yourself looking friendly and relaxed, but also professional
graphics or pictures (not just clip art) that reveal something about your subject
text nothing too wordy (you don't want people to think that you talk, talk, talk)
educational background and curriculum vitae people do want to know about your education
publications and research let your audience know what you have accomplished
a quotation something that inspires you or expresses your belief about your subject
asymmetry with balance so the eye does not wander too much, but finds the page attractive
color that complements the text (green is appropriate for an environmentalist's page, but kind of sickening for a chef)
high contrast a high degree of contrast is important so that the words do not blend in too much with the background
drama design elements that create drama, but that do not take away from the purpose of the web page
simplicity nothing overly elaborate or busy (just because you can use plenty of graphics, doesn't mean that's good)
white space so the audience is not overwhelmed with too much text
overall tone should be serious so current and future students understand that you are serious about their education
contact information and hours should be obvious
Make a gorgeous web page. Go ahead! You can do it!
To see my analysis of several faculty web pages click on the link to the left
