How to Come up with a Web Design That Works?

How to Come up with a Web Design That Works?

By Tabinda Noor

When it comes to Web Design, some work while others just don’t. If you’re designing your own site for the first time, it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. Keep in mind a few of these tips as you begin.

Don’t Overdo It:

Don’t Overdo It

One of the worst things you can do when designing a website is make it too visually striking. There can be times when flashy works, but on average keeping it simple is the way to go. Don’t select a font that many will find difficult to read, and don’t choose a color that will blend in with your background. It’s always helpful to get a second opinion, so don’t shy away from what others may think. What looks perfectly all right to you might not to someone else. Also, keep your style consistent across the entire website. Make sure everything is labeled clearly and be concise when you can. The last thing you want is your visitors getting confused while navigating it.

References:

References

Like any artist, you need to study your craft. Writers read, painters examine paintings, and web designers surf the web looking at other sites. Once you’ve decided on your topic, search for sites that offer similar content. Compare the similarities and note the differences, and decide what works and what doesn’t. If you struggle to find what you’re looking for on one site, note it, and avoid making the same mistake. Another way to gather reference is to check website templates. You’d be surprised just how many there are out there, and how specialized they can be. You can find web templates for gaming, electronics, fashion, and many other themes. Take a look at the ones that pertain to your idea, and see what the current trends are.

Concept:

Concept

Before you jump right into your software or begin writing lines of code, take a moment and visualize what you’re going for. It’s a good idea to spend time drawing layouts you’re considering. You can do this with a pencil and paper or even just by throwing together graphics in your photo editing software. These don’t have to be works of art; they’re meant to give you a basis to work from, and can remove some of the guesswork. Planning your design ahead of time will help you avoid spending hours putting your website together only to realize the buttons would look better on the other side of the page.

Know Your Audience:

Know your Audience

Consider your audience and the demographic you’re going for. Bright colors might work well for a website designed for children, but will look jarring on one dedicated to grunge music. This is another reason research is important. If you’re uncertain of the kind of audience your content will draw in, investigate it first. Find out who would most be interested in the services you’re providing. Like any craft that involves creativity, there’s no one right way to do it. More than anything, you want your audience to be able to find what they’re looking for so you can deliver your content to them, and keep them coming back for more.