Sensory aspects of web design include what the user experiences through sight and sound.

Evaluate these sites:

1. Use a default font size of 3 or larger.
It is very difficult to read a page when the text is too small.

2. Use a sans serif font (e.g., Arial) for page headings. Use a serif font (e.g., Times New Roman) for body copy/text.

3. Avoid large text blocks of ALL CAPS and italics.
a. ALL CAPS has the connotation of shouting.
b. Designing web pages with ALL CAPS causes the user to read letter by letter rather than in letter or word groupings.
c. Italicized text also slows down reading speed.

4. Avoid underlined text and the use of colored text within body copy. They confuse the user because they look like hyperlinks.

5. Choose contrasting text color and links.

6. Keep color of headers and links consistent. Color represents a navigational function if used consistently.

Evaluate these sites: 

1. Avoid downloading of large files.
a. If downloading of large files or special software is unavoidable, warn users that the length of time needed to download a file will vary--based on connection speeds.

2. Provide links to necessary software downloads and/or plug-ins for audio and video files.

3. Avoid use of large graphics and more than one animated graphic per page.
a. Large graphics load slowly and leave less design space for other content.
b. Usability studies show that information seekers will actually cover up animated features with their hand.

Evaluate these sites: