Hutton IT

• 1: Home
  • 1.1: About Hutton IT
  • 1.2: Links
  • 1.3: Linux
  • 1.4: Conditions
  • 1.5: New
• 3: Design
  • 3.1: Design Thoughts
• 4: Products

Print this page

Design Thoughts

Design Thoughts and Considerations.

1. Basic Elements of Design
2. Common Sense and Functionality
3. Acknowledge the User
4. Evoke an Emotional Response
5. Follow a Process

1. ~Basic elements of design~
The basic elements of design seem to be vanishing on the Web as more people jump online. All too many newcomers believe that creating a Web site means they've established a Web presence.

But those experienced on the Net recognise this fallacy. The most important aspect of the Web is design. It is, after all, the initial means of communication in an otherwise cold environment.

All successful design is composed of the following critical elements:

2. ~Common Sense and Functionality~
Every facet of design is based on 98 percent common sense. The Web is no exception.

It does not make sense to offer a graphically intense site if most of your visitors have an incompatible browser or are surfing with a 56K modem instead of the faster DSL or ISDN lines. It also does not make sense to have a complex home page that offers no valuable information, even if it does "look pretty."

Good design, instead, requires simplicity and efficient functionality.

When you think of simplicity, do not confuse it with "simplistic." A simplistic site shows a lack of thought, something that's just done in a hurry; a simple site, on the other hand, provides all necessary elements without wasting space or requiring complex navigation. In other words, a simple design leads to efficient functionality.

To make your site function efficiently, first determine your purpose. Why are you creating the site? What do you want to do with it? What end results are you looking for?

Now determine the necessities required to deliver this message. Leave out frivolous or extraneous things that won't add any value or quality to the site or your core message.

3. ~Acknowledge the User~
Good design also acknowledges the user and demonstrates the creator's understanding of user expectations.

This is achieved through design that provides clear goals of its purpose and functionality. Provide your users with sequential design that marks on-going activities. Some sites accomplish this by displaying your journey through the site. Other sites integrate a main design theme throughout the entire site.

One of the most important points that figures into this element of design is how your visitors will navigate through your site. What are their expectations? What are they there for? What do they want? Are they finding what they need or getting lost in the superfluous content and design?

When you effectively communicate through your design, you offer your visitors instant understanding. That means your design makes your products, purpose and site instantly recognisable. The design of a Porsche follows this rule. Porsche's unique design is instantly recognized worldwide as an elite, luxury sports car. All of this is communicated through its sleek design. The same rule should apply to your site. Your design should make it recognisable.

4. ~Evoke an Emotional Response~
When you think of something that depicts good design, like a Porsche, do you feel an emotional response? Do you get excited when you think of driving down the motorway in a red Porsche? Apply that to the Internet. Think of a site you enjoy visiting. Why do you like it? What feelings do you recognise when you think of that site?

Emotion is another critical element of design. Good design evokes a positive response.

Make good use of the light, colors and textures you use on your site. These are some of the most powerful elements that influence good design. Learn what responses are associated with different colors. For example, yellow is a cheerful color but it can also aggravate if too bright.

Most importantly, use design that will reinforce the emotions you want your visitors to experience, keeping in mind that your site need not be over run by extraneous design.

To get the greatest response, only include what's necessary to your site and work toward achieving professionalism with a high degree of functionality.

5. ~Follow a Process~
Last but not least, remember that the best design is an ongoing process. It's not something that is achieved overnight. Perfect one aspect of your site at a time. Once you've gone through that process, start again.

Creating a site backed by solid design will do more for your business than spending your time marketing a site that's been sloppily slapped together. A well-designed site will help you establish a true Web presence worthy of recognition.