Application of traditional system design techniques to web site design

Abstract After several decades of computer program construction there emerged a set of principles that provided guidance to produce more manageable programs. With the emergence of the plethora of Internet web sites one wonders if similar guidelines are followed in their construction. Since this is a new technology no apparent universally accepted methods have emerged to guide the designer in Web site construction. This paper reviews the traditional principles of structured programming and the preferred characteristics of Web sites. Finally a mapping of how the traditional guidelines may be applied to Web site construction is presented. The application of the traditional principles of structured programming to the design of a Web site can provide a more usable site for the visitors to the site. The additional benefit of using these time-honored techniques is the creation of a Web site that will be easier to maintain by the development staff.