The internet plays a great role in the information transfer today and one of the major ways through which information is shared is through websites. There are many different kinds of websites, some just for information, some for games and others for commercial activity.
No matter what the purpose of the site is, it needs to be carefully researched and designed in order for the website to meet its objectives and satisfy users. Our Florida web design agency can help.
Some of the characteristics of great web design include:
Simple and Intuitive Layout
Simple designs pay off because it offers fewer distractions to the visitor. There is a gradual shift towards designs that feature just one or two columns and they make it easier for the visitor to find what they are looking for.
Centered Orientation
Today there is a gradual shift towards websites that use a centered orientation as research has proven that the eye is more likely to catch the contents at the top centre than at the bottom and so building your site in his way will ensure that your content becomes easily noticed.
Content is King
As web design ethics become more developed, there is a gradual shift from the shell and the general design of the site to the content. The first few years of web design concentrated on construction of the total site, background and graphics and usually the content was left for others to deal with. However today, more attention is placed on the content and care is taken to match the content with the overall message. In general great and regularly updated content will the battle against a well polished site with not much content.
This trend can be seen in the move from regularly structured sites and strict layouts to freer less regular layouts. The colors in the background are usually muted and the use of effects is kept to the strict minimum so that the user can focus on the contents.
There is a trend towards neutral to plain background against which captivating headlines can be placed to draw attention to the important parts of the page. However it should be used sparingly and the colors should only be used to navigate the user to important parts of the website.
Therefore the trend is not to use too many attractive elements on one page.
Plenty of Whitespace
The best way to describe the of this white space is to contrast it with sites that have a profusion of text and graphics filling the whole page, not leaving any place to rest the eyes.
A good deal of white space gives the eyes a place to rest, allowing for maximum focus when you get to read the contents of the page.
Make your Site Easy to Navigate and Use
Have you ever gone to a site where you are unable to find your way around, or to retrace your steps? I have seen my share of sites that just has no way of telling you where you are. It is intelligent design to show your visitors where they are by leaving little signs and navigation marks in each page. This quickly helps them to find their way around.
Moreover, make sure that your site can work on more than one type of browser. Think of your clients and what they might be using and try to make sure that your site can work on these browsers.
Use Relevant Graphics
Graphics can be used to make your site more interesting. Good web graphic design can be used, but they must be used sparingly and must be relevant to the content. Placing irrelevant graphics will only serve to confuse the surfer.
A well designed website is one of the best tools of making your company known and for building a great following of customers. Great design will also make sure that you stay relevant for web users worldwide.
Is your online presence ready for a web design refresh? Contact our team of experts to determine how we may assist you in your efforts!
