Web Design

Web Design

1. Principles

   • Visual presence
     • During 1st encounter, design pages for scanning, not reading
     • Create a clear visual hierarchy on each page
     • Take advantage of conventions
   • Clarity of message/content
     • Write with brevity in mind
     • Use lists and tables, where needed
     • Use of concise text, scannable layout and objective language
     • Informative Link Descriptions
   • Design aesthetics
     • Components
       • Layout
       • Colour scheme
         • Psychology of colours
         • Emotions/Mood/Feel
       • Font and legibility
       • Consistency
         • Layout of text, headings
         • Use of colour
         • Style of graphics
         • Interactivity
         • Names of commands and manner of evoking them

2. Form follows Function (& vice versa)

   • Sitemap & website structure
   • Navigation
   • Usability

3. Target & Purpose

   • Target
     • Design for main target audience
     • Understand and mediate cultural differences
     • Not feasible to please everyone
   • Purpose
     • Directions in design
     • Formal vs. Casual
     • Commercial vs. Personal