February 2024
So You’re Designing a New Website?
Web Design
Note: Find the rest of my articles here on Medium
Overwhelmed! This is what I first felt as a designer when I was figuring out the blueprint for a new (and massive) website project I had taken up. Search Engine Optimisation, Accessibility Guidelines, CTA Conversions, Load Times, Navigation, Error Handling.…. The list of things to keep in mind seemed endless and the turnaround times unreasonably short. However, with a lot of grit, problem solving and hit-and-trials, I made it easy sailing in a couple of months 😎
So if you’re someone who feels like you’re in the position that I was in, I’ve created a quick checklist for your success 👇🏼
1. Solve the Problem
Ask yourself why you are building the website. How are you adding value? What is the problem you are solving for? Set a clear objective and the means to achieve it.
I can design a beautiful social-media platform and still fail if I don’t optimise for a smooth user on-boarding, referral systems, media sharing etc. A clear purpose and some proper planning will save you a lot of headaches down the line.
2. Embrace Consistency
Consistency reigns supreme in the Design Kingdom. From fonts to colors, try to ensure every element maintains harmony throughout the digital realm. Consistency fosters trust, strengthens brand identity, and guides users seamlessly through your digital domain. Also watch out for messaging consistency on the website — How you speak to your users strongly determines their perception of your solution.
3. Champion Accessibility & Inclusivity
The web should be for everyone. That means designing with accessibility and inclusivity in mind. Think about users with disabilities — how can you make the experience seamless for them? Consider screen readers, keyboard navigation, and color contrast. When your website is accessible, everyone wins.
Airbnb’s website is a shining example of this. They provide alternative text for images, descriptive link text, and keyboard navigation options, making it easy for all users to explore their listings.
Airbnb: Designing for Access
4. Build a Suitable Hierarchy
Ever find yourself on a website, squinting and scratching your head, trying to figure out where to look first? Yeah, not fun. Visual hierarchy and readability are your best friends. Use headings, subheadings, and spacing to navigate users through your content effortlessly. I used Typescale to figure out the typography nuances for my website. Colors also play a signinficant role in guiding attention and making you feel specific ways so use them well.
Bad Hierarchy can even sway the results of elections!
5. Make it Easily Discoverable
A well-charted course is the hallmark of a masterful website. Prioritize Search Engine Optimization (Dev Guide) by making your website responsive (especially for mobile), adding the right tags, reducing loading speed and enabling backlinks. The more intuitive your website is, the better results you will get.
So there you have it — your roadmap to website design glory. Remember, it’s not just about ticking off boxes; it’s about creating an experience that leaves users wowed and wanting more. So go ahead, unleash your creativity, and let your website shine!
MY RECENT STORIES
August 2024
August 2024
November 2023
November 2023