Effective websites — Design

Good design directly aids users in getting what they want out of a site. There should be no unnecessary elements that get between the users and the information they need. On both public websites and intranets there are two important types of design: graphic and structural.

 Graphic design relates to the look of a web page

A site gets its distinctive character through the colors, background, font style and graphics on a page. It’s important not to overdo on design.

Most successful sites

• have a consistent header graphic and footer
• work with several compatible templates for page layout
• are uncluttered and restrained
• have a palette of three colors
• use graphics, photos, animations, sound, etc. only if they help convey a message
• feature an obvious ‘start’ point on the home page
• have blocks of content narrow enough to be read easily
• differentiate between visited and unvisited links
• are designed to fit within a 640 pixel screen
• link the company logo in the header to the Home Page (not everyone enters the site through the front door!)
• remember those with disabilities when selecting colors, text size, etc.

Structural design relates to the feel of a web site

Feel is what happens when you use a site. A consistent look and feel reduces the time-to-learn and makes it easier for users to recognize where they are and where they can go. You want a visitor to find the navigation easy to understand so that they feel successful and in control.

In the web world there is much talk about ‘usability.’ It is the structural design that often determines whether or not a site feels usable.

In an effective website:

• desired information is found within three clicks
• the site is searchable
• the site is organized around user tasks
• button names and titles are easily understood – no jargon
• the navigation systems helps the visitor know…
  • where he is
  • where he has been
  • where he can go
  • how to get home
• the structure is built to allow future growth

You’ll see this type of design referred to alternatively as information architecture, content design, content mapping and similar terms. Whatever it’s called it is the art and science of organizing information so that it is findable, manageable and useful.

Other important aspects of effective web design include planning, content development and maintenance. Please continue exploring!