1. Navigation
A great website is easy to navigate. Menu items should be accessible from any page, ensuring that viewers always know where they are and where they want to go. A site map can be particularly helpful. There's a fine line between an interactive menu and an annoying one, so prioritize functionality.
2. Visual Design
Visual appeal is key as people are naturally drawn to great graphics. Your website has a fraction of a second to make an impression, so it needs to look professional and trustworthy. Use scrolling text, animation, and flash intros sparingly to emphasize points without overwhelming visitors.
3. Content
Content is the backbone of your website. It not only influences search engine placement but is also what visitors seek. Ensure your text is informative, easy to read, and concise. High-quality content makes your website engaging and effective.
4. Good Readability
Readability is crucial, especially for blogs. Ensure your background and foreground colors have enough contrast and provide adequate line-spacing. Use a comfortable font size (12-14px for web-safe fonts) to make your text easy to read.
5. A Strong Focus on Content
Avoid distracting design elements and focus on your content. Ensure your header isn’t too tall so readers can see the post title without scrolling. Keep background distractions to a minimum to keep readers focused on your posts.
6. High Findability
Design your blog so that finding other content is easy. Strong navigation design, tiered/hierarchical navigation schemes, and utilizing the sidebar for recent and popular posts can enhance findability and lead to more page views.
7. Web-Friendly
Your website must be web-friendly, meaning it should work well on all major browsers and be optimized for search engines. Proper use of meta tags, alt tags, and SEO techniques is essential for good search engine placement and visual appearance.
8. Interaction
An effective website engages visitors immediately and holds their attention. This interaction should encourage visitors to contact you, aiming for conversion. Balance interaction with usefulness to avoid annoyance.
9. Information Accessibility
Not all visitors will have the time to browse your entire site. Key information like contact details should be easily accessible. Frustrated visitors who can't find what they need quickly are less likely to return or do business with you.
10. Intuitiveness
A great website anticipates visitor needs and arranges elements logically. If visitors find your site through a search engine, they should land on a relevant page rather than having to sift through irrelevant content. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line – apply this principle to your site design.
For college students and those considering a career in web design after BCA or graduation, mastering these principles can set you on a path to success. A six-month training program focusing on these essential aspects of web design can provide the practical skills needed to create effective and appealing websites. Remember, the goal is not just to make a good website, but a great one that stands out and serves its purpose effectively.
Do you have more blog design tips? Share your thoughts in the comments!