Good and Bad Web Design

There are many elements to account for in web design. With so many options, it seems like it would be easy to get carried away with bells and whistles. One thing I find to be very important in web design is simplicity. In a phrase, "less is more". Bombarding the viewer with words or images or both will only create clutter and distort your intended message. I am using this approach of simplicity to create my website. Each page has the information intended, without extra clutter. The visual elements are limited to a background and the occasional photo. 

One concept I am not a fan of is columns. A website that reads like a book, should be a book. If a website contain more than 2 columns, I am immediately turned away from that site. As stated previously, simple is good. I will choose to avoid the use opt columns on my website. Columns belong in newspapers, not on websites. 

Another point similar to use of columns would be the presence of a top section on a website. The top section design always looks nice and professional. It is a simple step that goes a long way. However, I do not view it as a necessity. Having a side section on a site is a refreshing change of pace that serves the same purpose. I am using a side section and I enjoy the way it looks for a personal website. It doesn't dominate the page and it doesn't take away from the material on the page. 

Although I am not using white space to my advantage, I cannot overstate how effective white space can be. I look at Apple's website as a prime example. The use of white space makes the website look so clean and refined. Everything is easy on the eyes and easily accessible on the site. White space is a useful term not only in art but in web design as well.

An essential element in website design is a simple navigation bar. I believe that the human mind desires order and organization, at least to some degree. When a website is opened, people expect to se certain things. One of those essential elements is a navigation bar. It should stand out but not take over the page. It should be very clear to understand and extremely easy to find. Anything more complicated than that will become a hinderance. 

One element I find underrated in web design is the use of big text. If a site is dominated by any 12-point font, it will intimidate viewers. People on websites want quick and easy navigation. Spending an excessive amount of time on one page reading all of what you have to say is highly unlikely. I put it into terms this way: it is much easier to walk away from a website than it is to walk away from a person in mid-conversation with you.   

The final element I am proud to use is colors. Colors can break up sections of a page. Colors can help separate or connect ideas within a given website. They can do so much for a website and they are so simple to add into a website. Now if the entire website is a scrolling, clicking rainbow I will question its effectiveness. However, the use of color should not be underestimated or overlooked.

These are just some of the essential elements to consider when designing a website. Of course, this is all relative. Only the company knows the message intended. Only the company knows what they want to say and what they don't want to say. The web designer needs to be able to take those ideas and bring them to life much like an artist on the canvas.