- Well structured: The site should not be aimless. Visitors
are quick to grasp the fact that you don’t have anything
to say. Be very specific. The site links, for example, should
be used in a goal-oriented manner to lead visitors from
page to page until you have them where you want them. Make
sure they do not have to search for information on what
your site is about.
- Put everything upfront: Subtle hints do not work on a
website. Most of your competitors have clearly outlined
what kind of services, products, or information they are
offering on their site. If visitors have to scroll to the
bottom of the page and then move to the next page, they
will give up in frustration and leave. They will probably
go to check out what your competitors have to say on their
site.
- Avoid complex layouts: Designs of sites are meant to
attract visitors, so it important to pay attention to the
appearance of the site. But complex graphics and loud backgrounds
can take attention away from the main message of the site.
It also fails to hold user attention for too long. Therefore,
it is important to have an effective website design that
conveys the message as quickly as possible.
- Have a good quality control program: Designing a site
is a complex process. It is but natural that many developers
do not get everything right the first time around. However,
if you wait until the completion of the design work to test
your work, you will find that the bugs you discover may
be too complex to remove. It is better to keep testing the
site as the development progresses. "A stitch in time
saves nine."
- Text content: Many designers make the mistake of not
consulting content developers before creating a design.
The result - a page cramped with graphics, animation, and
large amounts of text. The text content should be broken
up into small portions and it should be easy to read. Highlight
the keywords in bold.
- Graphics: Don’t use graphics unless you have to.
And keep the size small so that the visitors do not leave
in annoyance waiting for the pictures to load. If you have
a Flash version of the introductory page, put in an ordinary
HTML version for slower bandwidths.
- Stick to the standards: Innovation is fine. It is even
desirable. But remember that most web surfers expect certain
standards to be maintained. They do not like cursors that
deviate from the ordinary arrows and hand pointers. They
like blue colored links, and a different color for links
they have visited already. They expect main content to be
at the top right hand part of the page. If you can stick
to these simple but effective website design principles,
your site is a winner.
Live Pages has been designing for clients from all over the
world for over five years. Our experience, skills, and attention
to detail has delighted clients and brought in good reviews
for us. We offer first class service and understand the web
design process down to its essentials. Get in touch with us
if you are looking for professionals who understand effective
website design practices.
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