Web Programming (Lesson 2)

Principles of Good Website Design

A well-designed website can help build trust and guide visitors to take action. Creating a great user experience involves making sure your website design is optimized for usability (form and aesthetics) and how easy it is to use (functionality).

Website Purpose

Your website needs to accommodate the needs of the user. Having a simple clear intention on all pages will help the user interact with what you have to offer.

Simplicity

The best way to go when considering the user experience and the usability of your website. Below are ways to achieve simplicity through design. Has color, type, and imagery under it.

Color

Has the power to communicate messages and evoke emotional responses.

Type

Commands attention and works as the visual interpretation of the brand voice. Typefaces should be legible and only use a maximum of 3 different fonts on the website.

Imagery

Every visual aspect used within communications. This includes still photography, illustration, video, and all forms of graphics.

Navigation

Is the wayfinding system used on websites where visitors interact and find what they are looking for. Website ____________ is key to retaining visitors.

F-Shaped Pattern Reading

Most common way visitors scan text on a website. Eye-tracking studies have found that most of what people see is in the top and left areas of the screen. The ___________ layout mimics our natural pattern of reading in the West (left to right and top to bottom). An effectively designed website will work with a reader’s natural pattern of scanning the page.

Visual Hierarchy

The arrangement of elements in order of importance. This is done either by size, color, imagery, contrast, typography, whitespace, texture, and style. One of the most important functions of visual hierarchy is to establish a focal point; this shows visitors where the most important information is.

Content

An effective website has both great design and great content. Using compelling language, great content can attract and influence visitors by converting them into customers.

Grid-Based Layout

Grids help to structure your design and keep your content organized. The grid helps to align elements on the page and keep it clean. The grid-based layout arranges content into a clean rigid grid structure with columns, sections that line up and feel balanced, and impose order and result in an aesthetically pleasing website.

Load Time

Waiting for a website to load will lose visitors. Nearly half of web visitors expect a site to load in 2 seconds or less, and they will potentially leave a site that isn’t loaded within 3 seconds. Optimizing image sizes will help load your site faster.

Mobile Friendly

More people are using their phones or other devices to browse the web. It is important to consider building your website with a responsive layout where your website can adjust to different screens.