Checklist item: The content fills a need or a purpose and is appropriate for online presentation.
Guideline: At the start of any Web site, begin with a simple question: Does this need to be online?
A Web site or page should fill a need, not just exist for the sake of existing.
Things to consider:
• Is there an audience? If so, who?
• Is this information available elsewhere?
• Will it be kept up to date?
• Should the information be accessible online?
Any content provided should be engaging, relevant, and appropriate to the audience.
Content is the information provided on a Web site. Do not waste resources providing easy access and good usability to the wrong content. One study found that content is the most critical element of a Web site. Other studies have reported that content is more important than navigation, visual design, functionality, and interactivity.