Separating content from design::
What does separating content from design mean?
To understand this concept we first need to understand what is the 'content' and what is the 'design' of a web page. Content is simply the text, images, video and tangible elements that you see on a web page.
Design refers to the way these elements are presented and how the page actually looks. So the graphic design, colours, fonts and where they are positioned on the page are all 'design' related aspects of the website.
The concept is best represented by understanding that the content and the design are documented in 2 individual files, The Content File and The Design File. So if you need to completely redesign your website, you simple need to make changes to The Design File and The Content File remains untouched.
Less professionally designed websites combine the content and design into one file so if you need a complete redesign, you need to start the site from scratch and cut and paste all the content into the new design. These types of sites are usually designed by using 'HTML Tables' instead of 'CSS' technology to layout the web pages.
Why is separating content from design important?
- The greatest advantage - it saves time and money! Particularly when you need a complete redesign
- The site becomes more accessible to a wider variety of devices such as screen readers and printers
- Much easier to make site-wide changes. E.g. change the font
- The pages will load quicker which is particularly important to dial up users
- Easier to update individual pages