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Web Page Accessories

Animation
Use of animated .gifs, scrolling text, marquees and other blinking, bouncing page elements are strongly discouraged. These elements contribute to page bloat, adding to the time it takes for a page to download, often offering little of value in return. They can also be distracting, in some cases annoying, to readers. In the limited instances when they are used, a visitor must be given the ability to disable or deactivate the animation.

Counters and redirecting scripts
A number of tools exist that add functionality to a web page, but at a cost to visitors. Two common tools are "free" third-party hit counters and third-party searchable indexers. These types of applications share one drawback: they redirect traffic, even if only momentarily, away from your page and to the site of the service provider. Consider the impact of the extra "trip," particularly if your page is large or if you're concerned about network congestion. The tool may not be worth it. 

Flash, .pdfs and other files requiring plug-ins
As a general rule, publishers should refrain from offering plug-in dependent content whenever possible. Plug-in dependent content can present a challenge to accessibility, not only for the physically impaired, but for individuals with slow connections, dated computers, limited Internet experience or non-current software. Even among experienced users, when content is the objective, simplicity works best. Like animated .gifs, these files can be annoying.

There are, of course, some applications where a plug-in truly enhances the usability or function of a site, or is central to its delivery. Streaming media is one example; some .pdf-based applications are another. The best advice is to use good judgement and keep all potential users in mind when designing a UTMB site.

Style Sheets
Styles, style sheets and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) give web authors greater control and more flexibility than traditional HTML. Created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), style sheets offer greater control of page elements and layout with less effort. On the other hand, they are not compatible with all browsers. Advanced authors who wish to utilize style sheets can link to several offered by UTMB. 

In order to ensure maximum browser compatibility, the three style sheets currently available only provide correct typeface and size for your pages. Links to more information on styles, style sheets, and Cascading Style Sheets can be found in the "Related Links" section of this styleguide.

http://www.utmb.edu/stylesheets/serif.css  12-point serif text

http://www.utmb.edu/stylesheets/sansserif.css  12-point sans-serif typeface

http://www.utmb.edu/stylesheets/serif.css  10-point sans-serif typeface

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Last Modified: 06/10/03