Page Layout
What is Page Layout?
Page layout is the uniform display of universal elements within a web page which aids in site usability and navigability. What this means is that a web page can be broken up into universal elements. Common elements of a web page include: a header, a navigation bar, a section designed for the display of the page's topic, and a footer.
- Header - Where the site header graphic or logo would likely be displayed.
- Navigation Bar - Where the site navigation would be listed.
- Main Topic Section - Where the main topic of the page would be presented.
- Footer - Where administrative information about the page is listed.
The page layout of a web site specifies where each of the universal elements of a page are to be displayed. Think of the page layout as a jigsaw puzzle; a jigsaw puzzle with four pieces: the header, the navigation bar, the main topic section, and the footer. The page layout of your web site is the placement of these pieces (universal elements) on the page.
 Extend Your Understanding: Consistency of Layout and Usability
Think of the last web page you visited. If you can't remember, take a minute now to view a web page you visit frequently. Ask yourself the following questions regarding your web page visit:
- Did the page layout stay consistent throughout the web site?
- Were the universal elements (header, navigation bar, main topic section, and footer) displayed in the same location on each page?
Chances are your answer to the questions asked was "Yes." Yes the page layout stayed consistent and yes the universal elements were displayed in the same location on each page. Reason being: consistent page layout design aids in the usability of a site - meaning users can easily navigate the site because they understand the basic structure of the page. They understand where the universal elements of the page are listed.
Site usability plays a major role in how often a site is visited. If a web site has a consistent page layout that promotes usability, visitors will return to the site. If a site has an inconsistent page layout that makes usability difficult, users are less likely to return to the site, even if the site contains valuable information. The key to ensuring users return to your site is to create a site that is usable (incorporating consistent page layout).
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