WEB DESIGN
GENERATIONS
First Generation	Second Generation	Third Generation	Fourth Generation
Qualifying Questions
Is the Web site reminiscent of a book or report? Does the site consist mostly of text with little, if any, graphic enhancement? Does it seem that the text has been transferred, essentially intact, from printed documents? Does the text appear to be scanned in and only minimally adjusted to the additional capabilities of the Web? High-quality generation 1: Is the site primarily textual but in a way that makes full use of the capabilities and advantages of the hypertext medium,supporting users in their independent and personalized use of the material?	Are visual and/or other elements used as an integral part of the design of the site? Do the graphic and other multimedia enhancements increase the appeal of the site? Do the visual and multimedia elements load quickly enough that you are not frustrated with awaiting their arrival? Do the sound and music elements (also the animations) stop their “looping” before their interest and value has passed and they begin to become annoying? High-quality generation 2: Are the graphics consistent in theme and metaphor, improving the communications level of the site or otherwise enhancing its appeal?	Am I able to interact with the site? Am I able to complete a task or work through an idea or plan? Will the site be of possible value to someone whose needs and interests are aligned with its purpose? High-quality generation 3: Does the site succeed in enabling me to fully accomplish a task that is important to me, efficiently and without confusion or backtracking?	Am I able to participate meaningfully in the value and “life” of the site? Do others participate in ways that allow them to share and “have a voice”? Does the site have a dynamic “feel” to it, as though its existence is, in itself, creating an opportunity for the valuable gathering of knowledge and sharing of experience? High-quality generation 4: Are contributions to the site coherent and constructive? (This generally indicates that the site has a “moderator” who is responsible for judging the appropriateness of various interactions and contributions.)

WEB DESIGN

GENERATIONS

First Generation

Second Generation

Third Generation

Fourth Generation

Qualifying Questions



Is the Web site reminiscent of 
a book or report?

Does the site consist mostly of 
text with little, 
if any, graphic enhancement?

Does it seem that the text has 
been transferred, essentially 
intact, from printed documents?

Does the text appear to be 
scanned in and only minimally 
adjusted to the additional 
capabilities of the Web?

High-quality generation 1: Is 
the site primarily textual but 
in a way that makes full use 
of the capabilities and 
advantages of the hypertext 
medium,supporting users in 
their independent and 
personalized use of the 
material?



Are visual and/or other elements 
used as an integral part of the 
design of the site?

Do the graphic and other 
multimedia enhancements 
increase the appeal of the 
site?

Do the visual and multimedia 
elements load quickly enough 
that you are not frustrated with 
awaiting their arrival?

Do the sound and music elements
(also the animations) stop their 
“looping” before their interest and 
value has passed and they begin 
to become annoying?

High-quality generation 2: Are the 
graphics consistent in theme and 
metaphor, improving the 
communications level of the site 
or otherwise enhancing its appeal?



Am I able to interact with the site?

Am I able to complete a task or 
work through an idea or plan?

Will the site be of possible value 
to someone whose needs and 
interests are aligned with its 
purpose?

High-quality generation 3: Does the 
site succeed in enabling me to fully 
accomplish a task that is important 
to me, efficiently and without 
confusion or backtracking?



Am I able to participate 
meaningfully in the value 
and “life” of the site?

Do others participate in ways 
that allow them to share and 
“have a voice”?

Does the site have a dynamic 
“feel” to it, as though its 
existence is, in itself, creating 
an opportunity for the valuable 
gathering of knowledge and 
sharing of experience?

High-quality generation 4: Are 
contributions to the site 
coherent and constructive? 
(This generally indicates that 
the site has a “moderator” who
is responsible for judging the 
appropriateness of various 
interactions and contributions.)