Ms P's WebSite Design: Try a Splash Page

          A splash page is the digital version of a book cover. Just as a book cover entices us to open a book and read, so can a splash page entice a visitor to enter a website to see more. It sets the "mood" of the site and introduces the "brand." The focus here is on when to use a splash page--see Identity and Layout in the Design tutorials for the design aspect of creating a splash page.

          A splash page can be an exciting way to highlight the creative work of students. Most parents will not mind the slight delay in loading a homepage or clicking to enter a site if they anticipate seeing their child's work product displayed. A montage of photographs from a school activity can also make an inviting splash page. This type of splash page should be changed on a regular basis to keep the interest of visitors. 

          To expedite entrance into the actual site, use a redirect META tag in the head of the splash page (which becomes the default.htm page). Allow 5-10 seconds (after load time) to view the splash page before the visitor is automatically forwarded to the actual homepage (rename it to default2.htm). The tag looks like this):

<meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5;url=http://cfbstaff.cfbisd.edu/loginname/default2.htm">

Be sure to place a "Click to Enter" link on the page for viewers who may not want to wait for the splash page to load and display.

          If your homepage or other pages require plug-ins, like Flash or Shockwave, a dazzling splash page can test the visitor's browser for such plug-ins and route them to pages with or without such applications (you need some knowledge of Javascript if you want to automatically test a viewer's browser). You've seen these messages: "If you can see this page wait and you will be redirected into the site. If you cannot see this page, Click Here for viewable pages." The disadvantage to this type of splash page (and these kinds of pages in general) is that two distinct websites need to be created, one with the plug-ins and one without. It's wise to remember that viewers without plug-ins may be discouraged from using the site and that is definitely not what your webpages should do. 

          Be careful with a splash page. Internet users are busy and want information quickly. Anything that makes it harder for them to enter your site is generally a bad idea, in fact, 25% of visitors leave a site rather than click a splash page or wait for the redirect. If a splash page graphic loads slowly, visitors will be discouraged from waiting, and returning visitors might be annoyed at clicking through each time they visit.