In designing the University of Georgia's WebService, we set as our primary goal "discovery success." The rigging of discovery success begins with clearly defined categories of information based on what the viewing audience is interested in, irrespective of internal administrative organization. While not discounting the value of the "coolness" factor, we have endeavored to maintain a course true to the access of information--allowing the coolness factor to play an enhancing role.

With rigging in place, we set sail on The Seven C's of WebService Design.

Comprehensiveness

Goal: Complete institutional coverage with respect to organization and functions as provided at the closest possible point of knowledge.

Only with participation can a comprehensive Web be built. The UGA WebService has been built, and will continue to be built, within the framework of cooperation, independent development, and responsibility to the institution. Owners, or knowers, of the information best serve as the providers of the information.

Currentness

Goal: Accuracy of static information enhanced by the currentness of changing information.

Accuracy results from responsibility. No right-thinking information provider intentionally provides inaccurate information. As a result, over the short-term, the provision of accurate static information is a direct product of motivation to participate on the Web. Currentness of changing information, however, over the long-term, requires continued responsibility, fueled by demand for up-to-date information by the viewing audience.

Client-Orientation

Goal: Responsiveness to requests from the viewing audience.

An e-mail address on a homepage creates a human connection between the viewing audience and the information providers. The e-mail received is answered promptly by the recipients of the mail (the members of the Georgia Web Group). If the same information request is received with some frequency, the group takes action. When the answer to an information request can be found on the UGA pages, a decision is often made to create additional or improved pathways to existing information. If the information is not available, a process is set in motion to add the requested information to the UGA pages.

Clarity over Coolness

Goal: Simplicity of page design and directness of hyperlink pathways take precedence over visual techniques that clutter or compromise presentation.

A hierarchical arrangement of information elements has its place, even in the chaotic sea of information accessible on the Web. Generic categories of information are presented on the first-tier page (the "home" page) with specific items related to each generic category presented on the second-tier pages. Graphical elements on the first-tier page complement those on the second-tier pages. Superfluous images, animated or otherwise, are kept to a minimum on these first- and second-tier pages. Third-tier pages are, typically, under the purview of the information provider for a department or unit within the University organization. We hope to lead by example that form still follows function.

Courtesy over Coolness

Goal: The length of time required for a page to load useful information is reasonable.

Courtesy is similar to but different enough from clarity that it warrants special consideration. Inline images enhance the initial presentation, but can significantly slow down the display of the page. The adage "form follows function" is now "form follows function as a function of time." The size of pages, as well as images and other presentation enhancements, is both dimensional size (width and height) and file size (bytes). A good presentation can be seen negatively by the viewing audience if the time for the page to appear is too long. Of course, "too long" is a relative time-frame. A 10-second or less load-time is ideal, up to 30 seconds is acceptable, up to 60 seconds is questionable, and more than 60 seconds is not generally acceptable. These times are based on the current high-speed modem access lines from an Internet Service Provider.

Compatibility without Compromise

Goal: Sensitivity to and support of different browser environments.

A delicate balance between sophistication and commonality is a challenge, not an obstacle. Information is packaged in the most universal way. If sophisticated techniques are required, including visual techniques which are not suitable for image-disabled and text-only software/browsers, every effort is made to accommodate the less sophisticated software/browser through alternative views. However, these alternative views are presented to the software/browser without obligating the viewing audience to choose between a "text-only" or "graphics" presentation.

Cross-Linking and Validation

Goal: Multiple access paths to the same information with a method in place to check the validity of site-wide links.

Multiple links to the same page increase discovery success, allowing the same information to be repackaged for presentation to different viewing audiences. Restraint, however, is exercised. Gratuitous links can undermine hierarchy and structure. Different labels (or "anchors") for the same page can be misleading. While different labels are sometimes a natural consequence of the context in which the reference to a page is made, it can mislead the viewing audience to follow a previously visited link (even if the software/browser being used indicates previously visited links).

The accuracy of links is determined by vigilance, feedback from the viewing audience, and site-scanning software. Invalid links undermine credibility, which can only be restored by timely repairs to such links.

If you choose to visit the UGA WebService, we hope your stay is informative and pleasant. Please feel free to send your comments, suggestions, and questions to the Georgia Web Group, www@www.uga.edu.

Y'all come C us, ya hear!