Behavior & Information Technology British magazine once published an article by Canadian psychologists who experimentally derived the most cherished figure. That gives us, developers, to understand how long a person needs to evaluate the fruit of our labors, or rather one web page. Previously it was assumed that in less than 500 m/s, a person is not able to comprehend almost anything seen on the page.
However, as the practice has shown, it is enough for him ten times less time to form one or another opinion about the web resource to which he got. Well, of course, if your website did not make a pleasant impression on a person in one-twentieth of seconds. The user will most likely leave in search of another resource. Sad statistics, is not it?
Goals of the designer
Website design is designed to solve this problem primarily. The first and primary goal of the designer is to make the person keep his eyes and stay on the page for further research, and later search for specific information. People can quickly rate anything, based solely on an emotional response and if the designer succeeds in luring the user with at least one element on the page. Then the latter will probably forgive the other shortcomings, looking at that very “highlight.”
Based on practical observations, the very “highlight” can be the feeling of the website as a whole, its usability (a complex arrangement of user interface elements, creating a convenient, intuitive, comfortable environment). Modern people, who do not even have any specific education in the field of design, perfectly feel the atmosphere of the site, the level of communication with the user, and the overall favorable view.
Based on the latest trends in web design, we can almost always say with certainty what exactly we do not like. The abuse of the so-called Photoshop effects of the past generation “drop shadow” and “bevel emboss”, hackneyed cliparts, which. Due to their “free” found on almost every billboard on the road or the Internet banner, overloading information on the page. The content of the website should be balanced, the content should be original and unique, and the visual effects are moderate.
However, by itself, to build a favorable environment, it is necessary to be guided by certain basic principles.
Always follow the rules of design … well, almost always
In the “school”, you were most likely taught such things as the sequential arrangement of elements along the grid, order, symmetry, the golden ratio, and so on. These web design rules are worth following to create a bright, easily perceived structure. However, sometimes, you need to leave and sent little breaking stereotypes. Do not forget about such things as variety, contrast, and accent.
There is no symmetry here, but there is a symmetrical irregular shape, with accented elements. The eye has something to catch on.
Asymmetry, high contrast, accent. All in one. Bright and attractive.
At first glance, a bit chaotic, but if you look closely, then there is a specific pattern and order. It is because of this “secretly” laid down a scheme that the website does not frighten and does not create the impression of something fragmented and uncollected. On the contrary, it has a rather bright and easy to understand the structure.
Rule No. 1 Use icons and images for visual communication as much as possible.
The user perceives several icons. Do not neglect them; a magnifying glass (search), a house (home or home page), a floppy disk (save). These images are already stitched into the brain of almost every person on earth, and this should be used without trying to “reinvent the wheel”. These are “road signs” that are read and recognized instantly, without thinking.
Rule No. 2 Use unique and high-quality content on the website.
Never use overworked images, low-quality images, as well as unprofessional photos, were taken. Photographs are the face of your website and the first thing that attracts attention.
Rule No. 3 Color is not a decoration, but a design element.
Color is the main element that is the fundamental rule of web design tells the user from the screens of monitors, tablets, and phones precisely what you wanted to convey to him. Color must be chosen so that it supports the content, and not decorated it. Do you use a large photo on the website? Take the color scheme from this photo to arrange support for the material to create a familiar unified atmosphere.
Rule No. 4 Choose fonts that successfully support the information you present.
You should never use more than three fonts at the same time. Choose one that is perfect for large headlines, one for readable text, and one for appeals, quotes, and other points that need to stand out. Most often, this set is a sans serif font for large amounts of text and more enjoyable with or without serifs for the design of headings.
About the author:
Melisa Marzett is a well-known, experienced guest post writer from resume revisions who knows a lot of website designing. She is both creative and favorably disposed toward technical issues.