Based on feedback from these tests, Nielsen's design team built a working prototype of the Sun home pages. Users tested this prototype, and the design team went back to the drawing board several times. They created at least 15 designs for the home page. Lessons for Web Designers At his tutorial, Nielsen described what he sees as emerging practices for Web design. The designer of a Web site has editorial responsibilities.
Users prefer well-organized pages with a small set of information options.
Five links at the top level can serve better than fifteen. It' s important to be consistent in the user interface and in the choice and repetition of graphical elements. This consistency provides users with visual cues that help them navigate effectively. Clickable image maps must be designed with care. Users may not understand that an image is clickable unless there are clear visual cues.