Web design is a discipline that most people fail to understand what it entails. Basically, web design is a process of collecting ideas and then carefully arranging and implementing them. The whole process is guided by specified guidelines and principles. Simply put, website design is almost similar to the process of creating an item with a view of presenting the items content on electronic web pages. The aim of presenting it on electronic web pages is to make it available to end-users. Access to the content will be made possible through the internet and with the help of web browsers.
Basic elements of web design
In order to understand what web designing entails, it will be very necessary to talk about the elements of web design. The core elements include:
1. Layout
Layout refers to the manner in which ads, graphics and texts are arranged. The layout seeks to maintain the balance, integrity and balance of the design. This is usually done with web design tools.
2. Color
While designing a website, the selection of colors will be determined by the purpose of the website as well as the requirements of the client. A web can take a simple black-and-white color or even multiple colors. Normally, the personality of an individual as well as the brand of the organization should be considered while choosing the color to use.
3. Graphics
Graphics in a web may include aspects such as logos, photos, icons and clipart. In order to ensure that a website is user friendly, the graphics should be positioned appropriately. Graphics should match the content and color that has been used in the website. The graphics should not make a website appear too congested.
4. Fonts
Fonts are used to enhance a website. The use of fonts should be guided by web browsers since web browsers will only read specified number of fonts. It is therefore advisable to work within the accepted group of fonts. (The web-safe fonts)
5. Content
A website is used to convey messages and information to users. The content that is displayed in a website should be relevant and useful. It should not confuse or mislead the users. It is also important to understand that content should be optimized and ideal length should be maintained. Incorporation of relevant keywords and key phrases is also necessary.
Creation of user-friendly websites
Besides the fact that an adherence to the elements of web design is essential for the creation of good websites, there are quite a number of factors that can determine the creation of quality websites. A good website should be user-friendly. The creation of a user-friendly website can only be achieved if the following factors are applied:
1. Observation of navigation rules
The creation of menus, navigation tools as well as architecture should be guided by the manner in which the users browse and search for information. Proper creation of such items will ensure that users move around the site with ease and efficiency. Always bear in mind that web users value time and would love to find what they want as fast as possible.
2. Use of multi media
The use of relevant audio and video in the design of a website can assist in grasping the information that is contained in the website. In fact, it will compel the visitors to spend more time in the page.
3. Compatibility
It is important to observe compatibility in the creation of a website. A compatible website will perform well on various browsers as well as operating systems thus increasing its viewing. It will ensure that no visitor in victimized on grounds that he/she is using a different browser or operating system.
4. Technology
Technology is dynamic and each day, various ways and modes of web design will hit the market. The advancements in technology will give a designer the freedom to utilize his/her innovation in order to come up with a website that is unique.
5. User participation
A well designed website should be interactive in nature. It should give users a chance to post their comments and opinions concerning their experience with the use of a website. It should also pave way for the conversion of visitors to clients through the use of newsletter and email signups.
In conclusion, we can say web design is a comprehensive topic that comprises various aspects that can be studied independently.