Some complex Web sites even post a version of their navigation flow diagram on their Web site to help users navigate the site more effectively. An interface designer will also create a storyboard indicating the layout of text, images, menu bars, etc. A separate graphic will be created for each hierarchical level of the flow diagram as well as each different layout within a level. Storyboards may be rough sketches indicating layout of elements or can be fully-detailed color diagrams illustrating the actual look of a page. Storyboards are useful for gaining clear consensus on the visual layout of each page, determining physical sizes of the assets to be produced and for communicating that look to the computer graphic artists and the programmer.
Interface design is an important element in Web site development.
Properly executed it creates a logical, user-friendly interface for the user, provides a road map for the production team and results in a clear consensus on the visual layout of each page. Investing in good interface design up front saves time and money down the line. It is important to understand some of the limitations of HTML when creating assets for your Web site. In HTML, content is separate from presentation. For example, HTML allows you to specify that a word should be emphasized, but leaves the decision whether to underline, italicize or color the word up to the browser software.