Web Sites That Really Make a Splash
By Eric Holter
One current quarrel among designers is whether to use splash pages on Web sites. Although some argue that you should never use splash pages, others point out that they're an important branding element. Because our firm, Newfangled Graphics, uses a splash page on our Web site (see "
Online"), we were asked to share our insight into their use, and offer some technical tips and considerations for implementing them on your own sites.
Using a graphical splash page as the entry point to a Web site can effectively set a mood or create brand identity for the site. But splash pages must be used deftly so that they don't confuse visitors or make it difficult for search engines to find the site.
Homepage Bound
The splash page debate centers on what an entry page to a site should be and do. The home page's main purpose is to link to the main areas of the site. Its job is to provide orientation to users, and to establish the site navigation. The home page often contains "welcome copy" introducing users to the site, and telling them what they'll find inside. The home page is usually -- but not always -- the default page of a Web site. The exception is when a site has a splash page.
In contrast, a splash page does not usually contain much text, nor does it necessarily contain links to the main sections of the site other than the homepage.
