Designing is how ideas are collected, arranged, and implemented to align with a specific purpose or goal. Web design is no different other than the content created is displayed online on a web page and viewed on an internet browser. Continue reading to really understand What is web design.
Web Design Inspiration
When starting to consider your website and its design, you may find that you’re lacking inspiration like many other first-time site owners. However, inspiration is everywhere. Even if you’re unsure of what you’re looking for or how you want your site to look, you may find the inspiration you need. A few websites that might kick in those creative juices are:
1. Behance
2. Awwards
3. Pinterest
4. Site Inspire
Many first-time website owners are not aware that the very design of their site can have a significant impact on how search engines, like Google or Bing view and categorize it in their searches.
Web Design Elements
When designing for the web, the same essential elements are used that are seen visually in almost all forms of design:
1. Color
The color selections will depend on the overall website appearance or the message that you are attempting to get across to the viewers. You may choose to go with a basic black and white color scheme or a multi-colored design that pops. When making your choice, it is essential to keep in mind that the colors will work to grab the eye and the attention of the viewer and serve as a means of conveying your brand and personality.
2. Content
Using both visuals and text, your site’s design and the content will work hand in hand to convey the message that you’re trying convey. Keep in mind that the written text on your site needs to be both valuable and relevant in order to be ranked well by search engines. You don’t want to cause confusion for the viewer or lose their interest—you want them to remain interested with your content and keep them on your site. At the same time, the content needs to incorporate keywords relevant to the subject, and you should make sure that it is optimized for search engines.
3. Fonts
Using a variety of fonts can work towards enhancing the overall design of your website. “Web-safe fonts” are a group of fonts that most browsers are equipped to read, so it’s important to stay within these select group of fonts in order to not experience any issues on your website.
4. Graphics
Most individuals familiar with the internet and websites are aware of what graphics are. They may consist of items as: icons, clipart, or your company’s logo. Graphics work together to enhance the website’s design and the viewers’ visual experience. Graphics will need to work with the color and content of the page and be laid out appropriately to make the page user-friendly. If not handled correctly, too many graphics can make your site appear congested and can even cause it to be slow to load.
5. Layout
The layout is the overall look of the page as a whole—how the graphics, content, colors, and fonts are arranged. Many website visitors are looking to hit the site, get the information they need, and then move on. If your site is designed well, your viewers will appreciate the ease at which they find the information they are looking for which will assist with user experience and rankings on search engines.
6. User Friendliness
Although you may want your website to look visually appealing and enticing, you also need to consider the end-user. When considering how user-friendly your site is, keep the following key points in mind:
6A. Compatibility
For the optimal benefit of your website, it must be equally compatible with various browsers and operating systems. The compatibility will work toward increased viewing without any technical issues.
6B. Interactivity
Get your viewing audience involved. You could add such items as opinion polls or comment boxes to the design. Additions of email forms and sign-up pages for newsletters will convert what was just a visitor to a possible client.
6C. Multimedia
The addition of visual and audio stimulation into your site’s design can go a long way to helping your viewers grasp the information faster and more effectively, encouraging the viewer to spend more time on your site.
6D. Navigation
The architectural design of your website is a vital consideration. The forms of navigation, such as your menu button, need to be created, keeping in mind how your viewers may choose to search and browse your site. Make it as simple as possible for them to find what they came for.
Web Design Technology
With the ever-changing advancements in technology, specifically those in the internet arena, web design has the advantage of always staying fresh, professional, and dynamic – and your site should be no different.
Web Design – Adaptive vs. Responsive
Examining the pros and the cons of both an adaptive and a responsive website will help you decide what type of website builder will be the best for your design needs. Many articles will still refer to such styles as fixed, static, and fluid, however in today’s mobile-based society, a properly designed website needs to be either adaptive or responsive.
1. Adaptive
Much as its name implies, an adaptive website will adapt the website to the type of device used to view it. When the viewer’s browser connects to your website, the server will be informed about the type of device wanting to view your page. Depending on the type of device attempting to view your site, an adaptive website will choose the correct version to display.
2. Responsive
A responsive website uses a series of layouts of flexible grids. The website will consider the percentage each element takes up, say 25%, and the element will stay at 25% no matter what the size of the screen changes to. Unlike an adaptive website, responsive websites will constantly change in response to the screen size.
Web Design Takeaways
As you can see from the information above, there are several areas to consider when designing your website. For a novice or a beginner, the process can quickly become not only daunting but also overwhelming. That’s why it’s in your best interest to Hire Adrian – and not only to get your website done but to get it done right the first time.