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What is Great Web Design?
By Deborah L. Daily
Here are some key questions to ask:
Fonts and Colors
Fonts and colors are important elements of design. For example, font sizes should be kept large enough to be easily read. Text color should contrast with the background color of a page (a side note for the younger generation: white text on a black background is tough for those 35 and over to read). Therefore, know your audience. Avoid black backgrounds. Don't mix text attributes. Avoid italics (too hard to read) and underlining text (an industry norm that indicates a hyperlink). Limit the number of text colors. Resist the temptation to use blinking text. Remember, if it cannot be read you have defeated the purpose of having a website.
Content Organization
Content organization is critical. Major category titles should be relevant and self-descriptive. Never make the end-user hunt for the information or guess its location. Design your site using storyboards. This will save time and energy due to multiple rewrites and additions.
Content Development
Writing for the web is completely different than writing for a brochure, postcard, or billboard. Each is a different medium with its own specific characteristics. When we read on the web, lengthy paragraphs and dissertations are a turn-off. We scan-at-a-glance and glean for information. If it is noteworthy, we print it out to read in further detail.
Another important consideration – hire a professional copywriter! The difference between handling your writing "in-house" and hiring a professional copywriter is like comparing "Little Richard's Wild Irish Rose" to a vintage bottle of Dom Perignon. True copywriting is an art form in itself. By investing your resources in a professional copywriter, your content will be eloquent, consistent, and timeless; which in the long run, will save you valuable time and provide greater consistency throughout your marketing materials and message.
Graphics
Graphics should be used to enhance a website, be developed for quick load time and be audience appropriate. Avoid cutesy pictures, animated graphics, free clip art, and under construction signs. Also, do not use graphics as dividers unless they look really good. If you are going to use personal pictures, have your portrait professionally taken. Your graphics are a direct reflection of your organization and create a lasting impression.
Expandability
Creativity is an important element to any good web design. A good designer will be certified (e.g. Microsoft, CIW, Oracle just to name a few) and able to provide a portfolio of work. Check references. Your designer should be able to deliver a product that is unique and specific to your product or service. Your designer should also have a clear understanding of where you are now and where you want to be in the future. It makes no sense investing valuable resources to create your website multiple times over.
Great Web Design is...
Great web design never occurs by accident! It requires great forethought and planning. Before choosing colors, storyboarding the message, creating graphics or programming content, it is critical to have clearly defined goals. Great web design isn't about all the bells and whistles. It is important to partner with a firm who understands your business objectives – where you are now and where you want to be three, five, and seven years down the road.
Your web design partner is an essential component to the growth of your business. As such, choose a partner who can clearly keep the global perspective while staying in tune with industry changes and who is technologically sound. If you ask yourself the right questions, define clear and concise answers, and follow sound design processes, you will have a website that truly meets your business goals now and in the future.
Be Visible. Get Noticed.
For more information about developing your website development plan, contact Buckaroo Technology Group by calling us toll free at 877.344.0290 or 317.845.0830 or click here.
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