demonhale — Fri, 05 May 2006 16:26:18 +0000

Point to him examples of popular e-commerce sites, the keyword here for the user is "familiarity" ... Modest internet users and buyers are familiar with a standard sites layout, so they always expect to find certain things(links) at certain locations, if they feel uncomfortable they would simply quit looking and leave...

Also point out the eye hemisphere principle, common human principles state we give more focus to the left side of the paper, screen or TV... it was taught that we give emphasis on the left and center... Notice that when watching tv most important notes or images are positioned left or center...

But dont be afraid to experiment on different positioning and layout, just one tip on links, make Links Really outstanding...

Also remember the basic design principle, KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)... Always assume your user will be a beginner, help them out navigating your site...

-chris

webfort — Fri, 05 May 2006 14:26:26 +0000

Hi, thanks for the quick response, I currently work for a company and looking to update there website, they use frames and it looks very dated, I have been working on a new site which meets these conventions but he does not like it, is there anywhere that states this is a proven method as I need to show them this to make my point.

Any help would be much appreacited.

Thanks
Ashley

Megan — Fri, 05 May 2006 13:55:35 +0000

It's more of a set of conventions that work because people come to expec them. For example, people know to look for a site's logo in the upper-left corner. They know where to find the navigation and the search option. So if everything is where people expect it to be then it's easier for them to use.