Despite the occasional protestations to the contrary by HiPPOs [mpdailyfix.com], there are Research Based Web Design & Usability Guidelines [usability.gov] and Guidelines for Web Credibility [standford.edu] that should be familiar to all web database software developers with an understanding of the Differences Between Print Design and Web Design [useit.com].

At a minimum, web developers should be familiar with the Web Accessibility Initiative [w3.org] (WAI) guidance from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). US Government Guidelines and Standards for Communictions & IT [access-board.gov] are also required for certain types of websites but are often great practices to be followed whenever practical on any project.