Web Design
It's the design which makes your site work - or not!
What is web design?
On the face of it this sounds like a silly question but web design is different to web development and takes into account more than just how the site looks. Good website design takes into account usability, audience demographics and trends, key messaging placement, calls to action, visual impact, download speed and so much more.
Design vs Fuctionality
Probably the sigle largest battle raging inside all web design companies and indeed advertising agencies across the globe. But why is there always a trade off? Usually because of lack of planning, knowledge or just simply the wrong ideas are being pushed forward to start with. At the end of the day you have two things - an audience and a message - the primary goal is to bring the two together in perfect undertanding and acceptance.
Good web design is the key element which bring this coupling together - it is the introducer, the facilitator and the sustainer. It is the design that executes the site functionality, it is the design that displays the messge and it is the design that entices the visitor to make a commitment. The design should also make the commitment process as easy as possible. If you like, the website is trying to woo the visitor to make a commitment.
What makes good web design?
It's an easy answer in principle - good web design brings together the visitor and the message and encourages the commitment of the visitor. But in practice what does this mean and how is it achieved? There are a few key points to bear in mind when designing for web - below are just a few:
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Usability
Web design in not just about how the site looks but more importantly about how it is used. Bear in mind how the user will interact with the site, what they will do and what user tasks they will be willing to complete. Also bear in mind web standards, not just in code but also in commonly used techniques - pander to expectations to make it easier for your visitors.
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Precedance - the importance of sequence
One of the greatest skills to learn for good web design is the art of guiding the eye to key areas. Take into account eye-tracking studies and other usability styling techniques to help guide the user's journey through the site. Some tools you can use to help guide the user are things like colour, position/alignment, size and even graphical design elements which signpost or point to key wreas.
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Navigation
If done right then the user should not even notice they are using a navigationaly object - if done wrong then this can provide the user with the most annoying and frustrating experience - to the point where they will close the site and never return. Always bear in mind consistency of navigation, identifiability and more importantly language and signposting of navigational items - ensure the user can gues the content behind each button and play to that expectation - this lets them find what they want more easily. Also bear in mind orientation - it is key that the users knows exactly where they are within the site and how to get to anywhere else.
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Space and clutter
Often the hardest thing to achieve is the sense of space and clarity on sites which hold a lot of content. The key to this is reducing down the unecessary and compartmentalising the content. Essentially only show what is needed and where is is needed. Use typography, imagery and content blocks to break up textual content, keep everything clear and easily accessible.
Seriously good web design
Serious Ideas specialise in creating eyecatching and functional designs for web and offline. For more information call 01932 835850 or have a browse through some of our online portfolios:
Let us help you take web design Seriously
Top tip
The answer to the design versus functionality argument is to work backwards from the end goal. Work out what the requirement is and then work out how to bring about that end goal with the minimal amount of fuss and effort for the visitor.
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