Discusses characteristics of two-dimensional (2-D) animation; highlights include character animation, painting issues, and motion graphics. Sidebars present Silicon Graphics animations tools and 2-D animation programs for the desktop computer. (DGM)

Explains GIF and JPEG formats for computer graphics to help Web page creators make an informed decision when selecting a format for each graphic in a Web publication. Highlights include compressing and decompressing computer images; image quality, including color; special features, including animation; and file size. (Author/LRW)

Provides guidelines for home page design, and suggests that the physical appearance of a home page is similar to that of a good graphical user interface. In designing a complete home page file, the premise is that basic hypertext design principles could also be applied in the World Wide Web environment. (Author/JKP)

Presents principles of screen design applied to the use of visuals on computer monitors during teleconferencing, including formatting; color; text design; lists; graphic images; and charts. Print materials are considered, and strategies to support the interactive use of the computer screen are discussed. (LRW)

Describes some of the factors that affect computer monitor display design and provides suggestions and insights into how screen displays can be designed more effectively. Topics include color, font choices, organizational structure of text, space outline, and general principles. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of Web page design covers balancing text and graphics; pixels; graphic file formats; dithering; and caching. (LRW)

Explains how to retrieve graphics that are available on the World Wide Web and add them to a Web page using a word processor that can save documents in an ASCII (American Standard Code Information Interchange) text format and a new version of Netscape. A list of various, unrelated Internet resources is also included. (LRW)

Describes ways to make library Web sites more accessible to children and teens with disabilities. Highlights include HTML code; the importance of contrast combinations for text and background; problems with using frames; alternatives to graphics; helpful Web sites; and the concept of universal design. (LRW)

Provides an overview of Web-site design and discusses three steps in building a site: audience analysis, design, and evaluation. Includes an analysis of loading speeds with and without graphics; examples of no-style, low-bandwidth, and high-bandwidth Web sites; and addresses for related Web sites. (PEN)

In this point/counterpoint feature, S. Melrose contends that complex graphical user interfaces (GUIs) threaten the independence and equal employment of individuals with blindness. D. Wakefield then points out that access to the Windows software program for blind computer users is extremely unpredictable, and J. Gill describes a major European…

Two controlled experiments examined whether the animated zooming effect accompanying the opening or closing of a folder in the Apple Macintosh graphical user interface aids in the user's perception of which window corresponds to which folder. Results suggest users may become attuned to the informational content of the zooming effect with…

Description of the development of multimedia computer-based training programs at the State University of New York at Albany highlights the principles of effective visual design, including type style, quantity of text per screen, the use of color, art and graphics, sound, video, animation, and navigation. (LRW)

This article describes the evolution of computer interface research issues from text-based interface design guidelines to more complex issues, including media selection, interface design, and visual design. This research is then integrated into the Analysis-based Message Design (AMD) process. The AMD process divides the interface design process…

Effective message design for screen-based computer or video instructional programs requires knowledge from many disciplines. Evaluates current conventions and suggests a new set of guidelines for screen-based designers. Discusses screen layout, highlighting and cueing, text font and style, text positioning, color, and graphical user interfaces for…

A review of college and university library home pages concluded that many higher education home pages are badly designed, difficult to navigate, and a poor reflection on the institution. The most common shortcoming was the tendency to create too many links or overly large graphics. An appendix lists points to consider when constructing a home…