Web Style Guide
Introduction
The Seattle University public web site consists of many sub-sites that are designed and maintained by various university departments and organizations. To make the best impression on users of the public web site, all pages should adhere to certain basic style guidelines.
Below are the guidelines that Seattle University web pages should follow. This style guide was created by Marketing and Communications. If you have questions about the information presented here, please contact Natalie Greco, web designer in Web Communications.
Template
Like official letterhead, the template provides a standard header above the content on each of your web pages. It includes graphics, such as the logo and red color, that visually connect your pages to the overall identity of the university. It contains functional elements such as links to top-level pages like "Search" and "Site index." It also provides an official style for your content and suggests how your text should be formatted.
It is required that all publicly accessible university web pages use the following template:
In special cases, alternate templates may be approved for use. Please contact Natalie Greco, web designer in Web Communications, for details.
Converting your pages to the web template requires basic web site development skills. Certain web development skills are also necessary to make future updates to your pages. Free training workshops are available for faculty and staff. Information about these workshops is available from IT Computer Training (SU login required).
Content
- Text should be written in a way that is easy for your audience to understand.
- All pages should include the site owner's name and contact information, or should contain a link to an "About this site" page that includes such information.
- Content should be kept accurate by the development and implementation of a routine maintenance schedule.
- All content should follow the Seattle University Interim Web Policy and Guidelines.
Graphics
- The graphic design of your pages should be unique enough to be distinguishable from the top level of the public web site, but similar enough to indicate a connection to the university.
- Do not use graphics taken from the Seattle University home page or other top-level pages.
- Avoid unnecessarily large or colorful graphics. Use graphics to enhance the look of your pages without distracting users from your content.
- Use of university identity graphics, such as the logo and seal, should follow the rules outlined in the Graphic Standards Guide located on the Logo Download page (SU login required).
Color palette
The following colors are used on the Seattle University home page and can be used on your pages to make them appear more connected to the overall design:
Hexadecimal value:#A42822
RGB value: 164, 40, 34
Hexadecimal value: #252525
RGB value: 37, 37, 37
Hexadecimal value: #A3A3A3
RGB value: 163, 163, 163
Hexadecimal value: #F2F1DA
RGB value: 242, 241, 218
Fonts
- Use fonts that are common to all web browsers and large enough to facilitate easy reading.
- Avoid excessive use of bold or capitalized text.
- Always underline links that appear in body text, and never underline text unless it is a link.
Page titles
- Always use page titles.
- The first part of each page title should be "Seattle University".
- The second part of each page title should describe the content on your page and should never be the same as another page title on your site.
Frames
- Never use frames unless absolutely necessary.
- Search engines have trouble indexing pages that use frames.
- Users may not be able to bookmark pages that use frames.