CLF for the Internet - Navigation and Format

Overview

Electronic service delivery provides excellent opportunities for Canadians to obtain information on GoC programs and services when and where they need it. Given the enormous resources now available on-line at GoC sites, a logical and consistent system of navigation is key to improving access. Effective navigation is dependent on consistent application of standards that are both visible and invisible to the end-user. Well-designed and strategically placed menu bars give users visual cues to site navigation. Search functions help simplify the task of locating specific information. Placing all GoC sites under one domain and standardizing URLs will further enhance these elements.

Creating a 'common look and feel' for an extended family of related Web sites holds enormous challenges. The programs and services offered by GoC institutions are incredibly diverse and often serve a very specific purpose, for a very specific audience. In some cases, the purpose of a site may be strictly to provide information, in others it may facilitate delivery of a particular service. The Navigation and Format Standards and Guidelines are balanced so as to maintain an appropriate degree of consistency while giving institutions the freedom they need to develop Web pages that serve a variety of functions.

Developing a Web site is not a one-time effort: well-designed sites are continuously evolving. Revisions are prompted by user feedback, better understanding of usage patterns, clearer focus of communications objectives, development of new material, modifications to existing documentation, and new interactive options. In the same way, CLF Standards and Guidelines will continuously evolve.

Web-site design

The site must be designed and developed from a user's point of view and testing is a necessary part of the process. Coherent presentation of content is intrinsically linked to layout, typography, graphic standards, the use of symbols and measurement specifications that can be applied to all GoC Web pages, regardless of their function, to establish a standard framework.

Minimalism is a good practice in designing Web sites. Graphic files should be as small as possible to facilitate rapid delivery via any end-user technology and should include text equivalents to ensure all users can obtain a description of what the graphic contains and what purpose it serves. Users should be warned of large file sizes and non-standard formats, i.e., wider than 640 pixels. Navigational aids, such as buttons and links, should be well-designed and easy to use.

No specific procedural standard or guideline could adequately cover the use of imagery, but it is recommended that GoC Web sites minimize non-essential visual information. Where visual images are used, they must be accompanied by appropriate ALT Text tags to ensure that all users are provided with information about what the images represent and can identify the target (or destination) of images that act as links.

GoC institutions are free to use Web and multimedia technologies to enhance sites, on the condition that all elements are universally accessible. Web developers and content providers can maintain alternate versions of sites that offer demonstrations of advanced technologies, alternate formats or interactive multimedia components. These must be presented as secondary sites and must incorporate appropriate hyperlinks if users are expected to download software or plug-ins to operate multimedia components.

Imagery

Well-designed and carefully placed images can improve the visual appeal and information content of Web sites. However, the time it takes to display large images may drive users away from the site. Many users choose to turn off their display options; others, including individuals with certain disabilities or those with non-graphical browsers, can not view images at any time. Therefore, imagery should be kept to a minimum on GoC Web pages. In addition, all images (graphics, photographs, icons, etc.) should be accompanied by descriptive text equivalents to ensure all users can obtain the same information. It is critical to indicate when images act as links to other Web pages of the site or to other sites. Web developers may choose to use thumbnail images as a link to enable users to view larger versions, and should include information regarding the file size and format.

Animated or Scrolling Images and Text

Various simple mechanisms can be used to add an element of motion to either text or graphics, thereby enhancing the look, adding a degree of entertainment, or serving some other legitimate purpose within the context of a particular Web site. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines do not ban the use of animated or scrolling images and text, but do provide specific instructions on how they can be implemented without having a negative impact on accessibility. When used, these elements should not self-activate; rather, they should be user-controlled, meaning both activation and deactivation are dependent upon specific requests from the user. In addition, text equivalents must be provided via ALT text or LONGDESC tags. If there is any doubt as to the value of an animated or scrolling text or image, it should be removed from the site.

Text Elements

Like visual elements, Web site texts should be simple and concise. Content should fit within one or two screens, since users are reluctant to scroll endlessly through documents. All information must also be accessible in a text-only format. Font sizes are limited to a single size for headers, and a single size for body text. Hierarchical distinctions can then be made using other font features such as bold and italic. Users should be warned of large file sizes and non-standard formats. Developers should structure information so that it is relatively easy to update.

Typography

Typography choices can enhance or detract from the overall visual appeal of a site. Although user display preferences in individual browsers have ultimate control over text presentation and fonts are displayed as coded only when browsers are set to the default preference, there are benefits to be gained through consistent font presentation.

Layout

Web page layout is an integral part of Common Look and Feel. Some common styles of Web page design create barriers for individuals using assistive devices and non-graphical technologies. Such barriers to accessibility can be avoided through thoughtful Web page design in accordance with CLF and W3C guidelines.

Accessibility is not the only issue with respect to layout. Beyond the common menu bars and FIP identification, a common approach to organizing site content plays a major role in visually unifying the thousands of government Web sites. The simple fixed columnar arrangement provides for third level navigation requirements, creative themes, and a body text line-length that is easy to read on-screen. This layout anchors, in fixed space, the graphic elements which identify the site as a government site and ensures that the consistent presentation of the site content works together with the mandatory graphic elements. See FIP Toolbox for specifications.

It is the responsibility of individual Web developers with the Government of Canada to ensure Web sites are designed to be universally accessible. Information on how to use tables effectively for the layout of images or data presentation is provided from the World Wide Web Consortium Web site.

Standards 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 have both Navigation and Format and Official Languages implications.