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Judge: web sites for health
 
2.0 How to judge:
 
   

2.15 Design

Good site design is encouraging, but it should not be used as the only or main reason for judging the quality of a site.

Design covers the following issues.

Privacy

The Data Protection Act covers the use of personal data, which is anything that could identify a living person. Any organisation collecting personal data through their Web site (or by other means) must obey this law. They must:

  • explain that they are obtaining personal data and what they are using it for. If the data is 'sensitive' (for example, information about ethnicity, health or disabilities) they must ask your permission first;


  • only use this data for the reason they give;


  • only ask for data that is relevant and necessary;


  • ensure data is correct and up-to-date. You can ask to see your data and correct it;


  • only keep data as long as it is necessary. When it is no longer needed, or is out of date, it should be deleted;


  • abide by your rights;


  • keep data confidential and secure;


  • not transfer data outside the EU.

The Office of the Information Commissioner (http://www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk/) [Opens in new browser window] enforces the Data Protection Act.

Usability

The site should be:

  • usable by people with a disability;


  • easy to find information in the site;


  • easy to read, e.g. the size and colour of the text.

Accessibility

The site should:

  • be accessible to people with a disability;


  • be easy to access, no matter what type of computer or browser someone is using;


  • be quick to download;


  • not use unnecessary special software.

Discreet use of adverts

Appearance

The site should:

  • be attractive;


  • only use graphics when necessary;


  • not use unnecessary special software, such as moving images.

Advice on Web site design

There are many sites that provide advice on good design. Here are some examples.

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© Copyright for this site is held by Contact a Family and the Information Society Research and Consultancy Group, School of Computing, Engineering and Information Sciences, Northumbria University. Site published February 2003. Last updated October 2006. Review date October 2007.