Web design is all too often taken for granted. Website viewers rarely take into account the thought and process behind the design of the pages they use. A well-designed webpage will lead users to the information they need, while leaving an overall good impression of the company and their interaction with users. There are universal design elements that go into a user friendly, useful website.
The Home Page
While you may not think of the home page of your website as a design element, consider how important your homepage is to the overall impression, usability and navigation of your entire site. There are several elements involved in the home page, and it is important that these elements stay consistent throughout the entire website and all of its sub pages. Elements such as menus, navigation icons and placement of key information should all be thoughtfully placed and designed to best lead your user in the direction you wish for them to go.
Navigation Keys
Your homepage sets the expectations for how to get around and where to find information. Navigation keys should be placed in the same spots, using the same icons on every page of the website. When a visitor lands on the home page, they should be able to pick out your design expectations quickly and easily. If a visitor has to work too hard to find what they need, you can be sure they'll look elsewhere for it.
Company Information
Placement of the information you wish for a visitor to know about your company must be well designed. The goal is to educate your viewers, especially ones who have never been to your website before, on the basics of your business. Answer the important questions concisely, the who, where, what and how. Actual content is important for your web design to be search engine optimized, and far too often the content of the page is overlooked. Placement and wording are one of the most important design elements of your site.
Search Options
Web savvy users are used to being able to search for precisely what they needs. Users have discovered that it's often far quicker to enter a search query and find their needs immediately than click around far too many menu options. The search area in your web design should be prominent and clearly labeled. Search is one place that creativity will work against you. Stick with traditional search terms and design, so that your user will know exactly how to find what they need.
Consider the Fold
There has been much discussion and study in web design circles about the proverbial fold, or the magic line that separates the content visible when first loading the page from the content only accessible by scrolling down. Conventional wisdom held for years that all-important information needed to be visible above the fold. However, with the advent of different sized screens, operating systems and browser windows, the placement of the fold isn't set in stone anymore. Designers should still consider this important area, as the initial impact of the website will be had from the first screen shot to pop up for a visitor. While people will scroll to find information, if they don't like what they see above the fold, they'll never look below it.
Design elements in web design are important. Our world is dominated by technology and websites are fast becoming the first place potential customers turn for information. Keeping these elements in mind when placing and working with your site will help ensure that your visitors like what they see, and stay to learn more.
Web design is all too often taken for granted. Website viewers rarely take into account the thought and process behind the design of the pages they use. A well-designed webpage will lead users to the information they need, while leaving an overall good impression of the company and their interaction with users. There are universal design elements that go into a user friendly, useful website.
The Home Page
While you may not think of the home page of your website as a design element, consider how important your homepage is to the overall impression, usability and navigation of your entire site. There are several elements involved in the home page, and it is important that these elements stay consistent throughout the entire website and all of its sub pages. Elements such as menus, navigation icons and placement of key information should all be thoughtfully placed and designed to best lead your user in the direction you wish for them to go.
Navigation Keys
Your homepage sets the expectations for how to get around and where to find information. Navigation keys should be placed in the same spots, using the same icons on every page of the website. When a visitor lands on the home page, they should be able to pick out your design expectations quickly and easily. If a visitor has to work too hard to find what they need, you can be sure they'll look elsewhere for it.
Company Information
Placement of the information you wish for a visitor to know about your company must be well designed. The goal is to educate your viewers, especially ones who have never been to your website before, on the basics of your business. Answer the important questions concisely, the who, where, what and how. Actual content is important for your web design to be search engine optimized, and far too often the content of the page is overlooked. Placement and wording are one of the most important design elements of your site.
Search Options
Web savvy users are used to being able to search for precisely what they needs. Users have discovered that it's often far quicker to enter a search query and find their needs immediately than click around far too many menu options. The search area in your web design should be prominent and clearly labeled. Search is one place that creativity will work against you. Stick with traditional search terms and design, so that your user will know exactly how to find what they need.
Consider the Fold
There has been much discussion and study in web design circles about the proverbial fold, or the magic line that separates the content visible when first loading the page from the content only accessible by scrolling down. Conventional wisdom held for years that all-important information needed to be visible above the fold. However, with the advent of different sized screens, operating systems and browser windows, the placement of the fold isn't set in stone anymore. Designers should still consider this important area, as the initial impact of the website will be had from the first screen shot to pop up for a visitor. While people will scroll to find information, if they don't like what they see above the fold, they'll never look below it.
Design elements in web design are important. Our world is dominated by technology and websites are fast becoming the first place potential customers turn for information. Keeping these elements in mind when placing and working with your site will help ensure that your visitors like what they see, and stay to learn more.
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