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The Play by Post Foundation routinely reviews and establishes standards for excellence for the creative experience system that we innovated in 1989. As trends and fashions transit through use, we strive to identify and build standards that remain timeless by leveraging fundamental techniques, cutting-edge styles, and developmental methodologies that emphasize design and implementation frameworks for Play by Post web sites. Standards are examined across five broad criteria: web design, information architecture, catalysis, programs and policies, and accessibility. The Foundation rates and certifies sites across these dimensions, and will always publish the latest standards on this page.
Web Design
Play by Post web sites should be designed using professional brand identity standards, including the use of uniform typography, a unified and cohesive color scheme, original and thematic artwork for an immersive experience, and an innovative layout. Careful consideration should go into the choice of web site name, logo, and appearance, as these are the foundation upon which the site is marketed and communicated. Selection of a legible font, both for graphical headers as well as for main content, is critical and must be uniformly applied throughout the site. Colors should be intuitive and complementary, while the layout of the site must be original and avoid adhering to common articulations, such as portal designs or navigation plots, and also integrate the site's artwork and materials instinctively.
Information Architecture
How the data behind the site is organized is as critical as how it appears visually. World reference materials should be organized at least by one, preferrably two or more vocabularies, such as categories or labels. All information about the Play by Post site should ideally be segmented into introductory information, user reference manuals, and an in-depth compendium. Content should be unified by a search engine, whether it be algorithmic or keyword driven, and effective article organization should include cross-material referencing. Finally, content should be divided between immortal (static, infrequently changing) and mortal (dynamic, user-generated) materials so that first-time visitors can get an organic sense for how material evolves.
Catalysis
Interaction is at the heart of the Play by Post experience, and web sites must be powered by tools that enable human potential. While striking out in a unique direction and being innovative in how users interact, Play by Post communities should not eschew conventional standards merely because of their proclivity. Often times, common tools are the most effective. A truly catalytic gameplay environment exists when creative storyarcs are unified by an epic storyline that brings users together in a single commonly shared experience.
Programs and Policies
The communities that emerge from any successful Play by Post experience require effective programs that promote styles of gameplay and interaction while reinforcing the tools available across the web site. Additionally, standardized policies that are evenly and fairly applied will build confidence in the community administration system and the management staff behind the site. Clearly posted rules, for both the game and its constituent systems, should be descriptive and informative without being exhaustive and laborious to read. Neophytes as well as veterans should be able to refer to the governing documents and ensure that they are timely and credible.
Accessibility
Users of Play by Post web sites come from richly diverse backgrounds, and in order to ensure maximum exposure to the widest possible audience, accessibility standards should be employed. This includes use of proper markup and code in order to ensure that readers for the blind function appropriately, as well as use of mainstream web standards. For example, while Flash web sites can be impressive, their use limits the number of people who can enjoy the site, or worse yet, reduces the audience that can even participate in it. Play by Post is a universal standard, so it is imperative that it can be universally enjoyed.
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Standards
Review the Play by Post standards for excellence, including core values.
Certification
Explore the Play by Post certification regime and process.
Platform
Learn about Play by Post's proprietary design, development, implementation, and management methodologies.
Publications
Read official studies, white papers, and reports from the Foundation press.
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