Design is defined as the creation of a plan for the construction of an object, system or measurable human interaction. While design has different connotations in different fields, but in the context of the internet, it’s the process of aesthetically arranging and implementing ideas with the intention of presenting the content on electronic web pages.
The Key Elements of Web Design
- Layout – This is the way that the graphics, ads and text are arranged. On the internet, a key goal is to help the user find the information they are looking for at a glance. This includes maintaining the balance and consistency of the design.
- Colour scheme – The choice of the colour scheme depends on the purpose of the site and the clientele. The colours used can range from simple black and white, to a multi-coloured design. It is important that you are conveying the personality of a person or the brand of an organisation, using web-safe colours.
- Graphics – This is use of logos, photos, clipart or icons. These all enhance the web design. To optimise the user experience, graphics should be used appropriately and work with the colour and content of the web page, while not making the page too congested or slow.
- Fonts – The use of fonts can enhance your sites design. Most browsers can only read certain fonts. These are known as “web-safe fonts” and a web designer will generally work within this widely accepted group.
- Content – Content and design work in tandem to enhance the message your site is trying to convey through visuals and text. Written text should always be relevant and useful and to give them what they are looking for so that they will remain on the site. Content should be optimised for search engines and be of a suitable length that incorporates relevant keywords.
Creating User-Friendly Design
As well as the key elements of web design that make it aesthetically compelling, a website must also consider the end user. Good user experience can be achieved when taking into consideration factors that affect the user-friendliness of the design:
- Navigation – Site architecture, menus and other tools that the site uses to navigate through the design. The goal is to allow the user to move around the website with ease, so they can find the information they require efficiently.
- Multimedia – Relevant video and audio in the design can help user to grasp the information. This can encourage visitors to spend more time on the webpage.
- Compatibility – A webpage should perform equally well on different browsers and operating systems to increase its viewing.
- Technology – Advancements in technology over recent years has given designers the freedom to add elements allowing them to design fresh, dynamic and professional websites.
- Interactive – Adding elements such as comment boxes and opinion polls increases active user participation and involvement.
Want to find out more about how Ascensor can help design your new website? Get in touch with us.
