Effective web design is typically associated with captivating aesthetics, stunning animations and flashy visuals. However, the reality is that there is a much more intricate science behind the creation of an impactful and successful website.
A Stanford University study found that 75% of users evaluate the trustworthiness of a business by perusal of its website. This statistic emphasizes the idea that web design is much more than attractive graphics. It is mainly about the creation of an intuitive, seamless user experience that can capture and retain the attention of the user.
Following are top tips for effective web design found useful by Boston web design services:
1. Mobile First Approach
In the increasingly mobile-dominated world of today, accepting the approach of mobile-first design is no longer a choice but a necessity. Now that much web traffic happens on mobile devices, it is evident that businesses should put priority on mobile UX (User Experience) in their strategy of web design.
Such a design consists of starting a design process keeping in mind mobile devices and scaling this up for bigger screen sizes. Such a design ensures that the most vital elements of the website are visible and functional on the small screen. The target of responsive design suiting small screens also forces designers to enhance, simplify, and streamline the UX.
- This strategy includes the following:
- Putting priority on content
- Delivering intuitive navigation
- Avoiding distracting pop-ups
- Testing on real devices in real conditions
- Responsive design is making for a superior, user-friendly future.
2. Consistent Design
A great UX is delivered by a consistent design. It provides a sense of familiarity to users and helps reduce cognitive burden while they navigate the site. The meaning of consistent design implies the maintenance of a uniform visual language as regards visual imagery, button styles, layouts, color schemes and typography. If these elements are inconsistent, it can lead to frustration and confusion. Such inconsistency may even encourage users to bounce off of this website.
3. Accessible and Inclusive Design
Making websites accessible and inclusive implies that everyone can use these sites in spite of any limitations or disability. This feature is highly important but is often overlooked. This UX design is as crucial as the functionality and aesthetics of the website.
Basically, accessibility means that the website can be used by everyone; it includes everything from content and visuals to the layout and structure of the site.
The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) define the following features for making a website inclusive:
- Perceivability: Users must be aware of the content of the site
- Operability: Users can navigate the site in different ways
- Understanding: Alerts and content of the site are easy and clear to understand
- Robustness: The site must work seamlessly across varied browsers, devices, and technologies.
4. Clarity of Visual Hierarchy
The design elements of a website must be organized and ranked according to the important principle of visual hierarchy. It directs the net users via the layout of information as per their importance. All of it is about the use of visual cues to guide the eyes of the viewers and lead them intuitively via the content of the site.
The following methods can be used to establish clarity of visual hierarchy:
- Scale and Size: Bigger elements tend to catch more attention compared to smaller ones. Hence, vital details like headings, key images, and calls to action must be bigger to draw the attention of users.
- Contrast and Color: The eye can be attracted by high contrast and bold colors. They can be used strategically for important elements that need to be highlighted.
- Spacing: To make an element to stand out, sufficient space should be provided around it. This feature is useful to highlight calls to action or specific sections.
- Position and Alignment: Like the natural pattern of reading, our eyes tend to begin at the top left of the page and then move right. Users can be visually guided by placing vital elements along this same path.
- Typography: Various spacing, styles and weights can aid in differentiating elements of the text and guide users via the hierarchy of the content.
- Such methods help make the website more effective and friendly for users.
5. Keep Up Consistency of Branding
When a website is being created by a web development company Boston, it is crucial to keep up consistency in branding. The latter helps to build up trust and recognition for your brand in the eyes of visitors to your website. For consistent branding, the following will help:
- Use of logo: Place the logo consistently across all pages, particularly in the headers. This helps promote quick recognition of your company.
- Scheme of color: Adhere to a uniform color palette across the website, one which matches the identity of your brand. This helps deliver a clear visual experience.
- Imagery: The quality and style of the images used in the website should complement the personality of your brand. The key factor is to maintain a consistent visual style, whether it is for headers of blog posts or product images.
- Typography: It is good to use the same font across the website. This aids not just in easy readability but also in recognition of the brand.
- Tone of voice: The tone of voice used across the website must reflect the personality of the brand. Be consistent, whether the tone is friendly, casual, or professional.
6. Excellent Copywriting
Copywriting for conversion is not just to persuade readers to purchase products. It serves as an effective tool for impacting all stages of the customer’s journey, from initial introduction to a final decision to buy.
The style of writing comprises action-driven language for simultaneous motivation and education. It can be employed across the whole website: on the ‘about us’ page, the home page, landing pages, blog posts and the pricing pages.
7. Improving Page Speed
Your design of the website may be amazing and stellar. Yet, if the elements you include on the website hinder the loading speed of the site, all your efforts are in vain. While creating websites for multiple devices, it is critical that your images, content and code are optimized for speed.
In sum, use conventional wisdom as well as your unique creativity while designing a website. The above tips are some of the most useful ones for great website design.
