Research guide template v2: Get started

The recommendations are from our Emily Christofides, our User Experience Specialist. August 17, 2018.

• Keep all guides consistent
  • Use the template provided
• Use only two columns
• Include a “Get started” tab
  • “About this guide” box
  • “Your librarian” Profile box
• Keep number of tabs down (5 at most!)
• Use prime real estate wisely
  • Be aware of “F” scanning
• Limit extraneous words, links, images
• Break down information into bite-sized pieces
  • Use headers, bullets, lists
• Make process clear
  • Number any steps
  • Use “next” feature to move to next tab
• Use visual design to group and differentiate info
• Use boxes judiciously

Accessibility specific

• In general, leave all the settings at DEFAULT which will help keep your website accessible
  • major items include: window target (where a new webpage opens); link description; normal text size
• For images with NULL alt text, leave the alt text field blank
  • the system automatically inserts quote marks