Website design is a subjective area hence it is impractical to mention conclusively the elements that would exactly make a good design. Conventionally, the key elements of a good website include visual appeal, good attention to usability, and a clear navigation (Sklar, 672). The variation in people’s perception, opinion and remarks regarding particular design of a website further complicates the entire debate. However, certain key principles would guide design development and eventually make the Web Design look good. They are the tenets that guide building a successful Website, with minimal nitpick and censure from visitors and other professional designers (Sklar, 672). A good design will attract attention of visitors and clientele to the Website and eventually heighten familiarity and knowledge concerning the enterprise. Business websites will definitely realize a substantial subscription for the service advertized courtesy of an excellent Website design (Sklar, 672).
The following are the principles of a good Website design:
Balance
The design should not tip to one side or the other. The balance is forms the basis of achieving symmetry or asymmetry. Search for balance will determine the way a Website designer lay out things (Sklar, 672). Carelessness when laying different items might sometimes make the design appear unbalanced. The designer can manipulate the visual weight of his design through change of color, size, as well as adding or removing certain elements. Although the designer could balance the header graphic asymmetrically, other features of the design could be symmetrical (Lawrence & Soheyla, 234).
The Grid
Grids are a series of rulers, which are vertical or horizontal in nature. They considerably help in compartmentalizing a design. Columns, for instance, improve readability, hence making it easier to absorb the content of a page. The rule of spacing enhances visibility of the contents. The Golden ration along with the Rule of Thirds collectively makes everything easier on the eyeball. A strict structuring of elements while considering the grid boosts usability and attractiveness of the piece to the eye (Lawrence & Soheyla, 234).
Color
Choice of Color largely influences allure, glamour, and readability of contents of the Website. Hence, the designer should select colors carefully depending on the objective, vision, and target visitors among other considerations (Lawrence & Soheyla, 234). Wrong choice of color might send unintended information about the aim or mission of the organization, and this may compromise realization of goals as well as putting its credibility to test. The designer, after extensive consultation should choose not only nice colors but also right colors. Black and white colors demonstrate accomplishment of threshold for stylish and professional work (Lawrence & Soheyla, 234). Red color spices up certain elements, thus making them stand out. Addition of more colors only serves to make the design more interesting and appealing to the eye (Juul).
Graphics
Although great designs do not necessarily need fancy designs, poor graphics would definitely hurt a design. Graphics add to visual information on the Website (Juul). While designers have understated several Websites, a Website like Web Designer Wall contains remarkable illustrations. Great illustrations, photography, and basic Photoshop skills summarize the whole concept of graphics.
White Space
Commonly known as negative space, white space represents what is really missing. White spaces give text considerable breathing space as well as a spatial peace (Collis). The designer can make certain key elements be conspicuous through inclusion of white space around them. Thus, the professional must ensure paragraphs have sufficient padding to facilitate readability. Several designers never acknowledge the significance of white space as it is the basis for determining the class of a design (Bates).
Other principles that govern design for a Website include connection, clarity, usability and typography. Unity and consistency are vital factors that would determine connection of a Website design (Bates).
Works Cited
Sklar, Joel. Principles of Web Design. Australia: Course Technology Cengage Learning, 2012. Print.Pg. 672
Lawrence, Dave, and Soheyla Tavakol. Balanced Website Design: Optimising Aesthetics, Usability and Purpose. London: Springer, 2007. Print.Pg. 234
Kalbach, James. Designing Web Navigation. Beijing: O’Reilly, 2007. Internet resource. Pg. 394
Juul Collen. Seven Principles That Make A Web Design Look Good. Oct 15, 2009, Retrieved From:
http://www.noupe.com/how-tos/7-key-principles-that-make-a-web-design-look-good.html
Bates, Patrick. What Makes A Good Website Design. June 22, 2012 Retrieved From:
http://www.webtrade.ie/blog/what-makes-a-good-website-design.855.html
Collis. Nine Essential Principles for Good Web Design. December 17 2007. Retrieved From:
http://psd.tutsplus.com/tutorials/designing-tutorials/9-essential-principles-for-good-web-design/
