This document outlines the generic conventions used in website design. Websites are designed based on their genre to clearly communicate it to audiences. Elements like headings, banners, navigation bars, typography, images, and contact details follow recognizable codes to ensure usability and organization. Layout and design features like grid systems, colors, images, and centering main content help separate information and draw in audiences. The conventions help websites look professional while relating to their brand and making content easily accessible for users.

1. GENERIC CONVENTIONS
WEBSITE

2. GENRE
 The entire website is based around its genre and all aspects will be manipulated
based on this.
 Websites have a specific design that uses recognisable codes and conventions to
ensure that the genre is clearly shown and broadcast to the audience.
HEADING AND BANNER
 The heading should be located at the top of the website
 The heading includes the masthead (the companies name in most instances)
 The banner includes different elements such as: a logo, navigation links, radio
feature, a strapline or contact details and typically stretches the entire length of
the webpage
 The banner is usually a different colour to the background of the website in order
to make it stand out to the audience.

3. NAVIGATION BAR/ MENU
 This is located at the top of the page and is used to direct the reader to different
web pages with in the site.
 The navigation bar can either display all the different links on the homepage or
alternatively can open in a list like format once selected.
 This element allows the website to look professional due to the organisation and
coordination of the content.
 This al allows for easy use and quicker movement throughout and around the
website.
TYPOGRAPHY
 The typography used on the website should relate to the brand in order to show
synergy and continuity
 A unique font can be used for the masthead and headline to ensure they stand out
and the website looks original.
 All other text on the website is often simplistic and easy to read. A common font
and size is 11 point aerial.

4. IMAGES
 Often websites have a large emphasis and concentration on visuals and therefore
have a multitude of images.
 Common display methods for these images are: pin board style, sliding gallery style
or a list format.
 The image are all of a high quality and can be illustrations or photographs
depending on the genre and content of the website.
 The images are presented in a way to make them look professional and well
organised.
CONTACT DETAILS/ INFORMATION
 Within a website there is always a section that is dedicated to the company. In this
section aspects such as: phone numbers, addresses, editors, photographers and
other company details are featured.

5. TECHNICAL CODES
 Regional based websites often provide a feature which allows the audience to
interact with one another by commenting on various stories.
 Websites often include elements that are audience interactive in order to evoke
interest in the website from the target audience.
 Most websites include audio or moving images
 Some websites will include downloads or other technical content based on the
articles that the website is featuring.
CONTENT
 Depending on the genre of the website there are distinct conventions for each
 If the website is filled with factually information it would effect the layout
significantly in comparison to a site focused on entertainment.

6. LAYOUT AND DESIGN
 Grid System: this is used in order to efficiently separate sections of a website and
to allow the information to presented in segments that are easily accessible and
not excessively large.
 Background and Font Colour: These are used to not only draw the audiences
attention but to help further separate segments of information as well
 Images: these are incorporated to add as much visual appeal as possible and
increase audience interest and uniqueness of the website
 Usability: Websites should be easy to use and navigate around for the audience so
should include a navigation bar to do this. The overall layout need to be clear,
straight to the point and logical.
 Centre of the Site: This is usually where he main content is displayed.