The Three Pillars of Good Web Design
March 18th, 2009
Like any other form of art, design can be a very subjective topic. Everyone has their own ideas about what makes good design, and different sorts of people enjoy different sorts of websites. That being said, there do seem to be a few common traits that all good websites share, and conveniently enough, it is fair to call these the three pillars of good web design.
Content
The content of your website makes up the core of your message. It is generally made up of text, but can also include images, video, and other media. Good content is often the reason people come back to a site, because they find something useful, interesting or entertaining. Even the nicest looking sites will come off amateur without a solid foundation of great content. This means that any photos or video should look like they were shot by a professional, and that all written content should be throughly edited to prevent bad spelling or grammar.
Design
While the term ‘design’ can include a huge range of definitions – it is primarily used in reference to the visual presentation of content. Design is the most artistic aspect of web development and really defines the mood and feel of your website. Things like color choice, typography, and layout style can all be used to give clients a specific sensation when browsing your site. If you’ve done a good job, this sensation should help communicate your message, and provide your users with a visual experience that compliments the contents of your site.
Usability
How usable is your site? This term refers to the way that users interact with your data. Navigating a website should be quick, understandable, and enjoyable. If people are getting lost or not understanding how your site works, you will end up losing potential leads. Usability is something that is often ignored by small design studios even though it’s a critical part of any site. The internet is an interactive medium and users should be able navigate your site with confidence.
In closing, creating a great website is more complicated than most people think. It requires both creative and technical knowledge, as well as a theoretical understanding of good design techniques. So next time you think about creating a website, take a moment to think about the three pillars of good web design.