Though just about anybody can create a web page using some of the software tools available in today's marketplace - software that will generate your web pages and their "design" for you - there is a large difference between practical, appealing, and functional web design, and that which results from this marketing gimmick. And the poor results quickly become obvious.
Occasionally, as we surf the web, we come across a site that surely looks beautiful in one type of web browser, or a certain screen resolution...however, that is not the case in the way that we are surfing. Viewed in a different resolution or the wrong type of browser, and the plain text isn't even clear on the page. Further to this problem, there are many different possibilities for the operating system being used by your web design viewer. Such pages will never be properly seen by any viewer except the percentage using the precise right combination of operating system, screen resolution, and internet browser.
Assuming that such a web site is a merchant site, that is, it is selling goods or services online, the fact that such a small percentage of the site viewers are seeing the website design as it is truly meant to be seen, and the fact that only about half of the visitors are even able to view what is being sold will only translate into terrible losses in the potential earnings of that website. This demonstrates the utter importance of professional website design. It is not simply a 1-2-3 process, but is rather a fine mixture of artistic creation and technical dexterity - neither of which is more or less important than the other.
The following are some extremely important tips to be noted by website designers to help with their artistic-technical combination. Although some may be taken lightly, others should be taken very seriously. It should be noted that not everyone can be pleased all the time, but you can work to make sure that most of them will benefit.
Images do enhance a website's overall look and efficacy, however, this is only within reason. Images should compliment a site, not overwhelm it. Remember that the majority of web surfers still use dial-up, so their connections may not be as fast as yours as a web designer. To make sure that your site doesn't take too long to load, your images - together - should take up no more than an approximate 30k. Keep in mind also that each image will create a separate HTTP request to the server, so if you list a ton of tiny images, even though they're less than your allotted 30k, they will still slow down the loading of the page.
To help users along with images - especially slow loading images, or images that will not load due to computer settings or internet browser - take advantage of the ALT text attribute of the IMG tag. This will help users enormously.
Navigation and practicality should come before art. The website design may be the most aesthetically pleasing on the World Wide Web, but if it is a struggle to navigate, it will never be successful.
Make sure that all of your links are clear and obvious. If your viewer will only see a link if he/she happens to hover the mouse over it, the odds are that it will get missed most of the time.
KISS - Keep It Simple, Stupid!
Use two tables or one table inside another to speed the loading of the page. This type of web design is extremely functional and works well for leading one segment immediately - providing viewers with something to look at and check out while the rest of the site loads - and then brings up the rest of the content.
Avoid browser-specific functions at all cost. If a certain feature of your website design is available only to one type of browser, you'll automatically eliminate all other visitors who have a different browser than the one specific to your website design.
Do not use additional popup windows. Any additional browser windows should be done only by the choice of the user. Don't clutter the screen and frustrate the visitor of your website. Furthermore, some people may not even realize that an additional page has opened, confusing them when the "back" button on their browser won't bring them to where they once were.
Remember that speed and ease - functionality - are just as important as a visually attractive site. Make sure that your website design follows that rule, if any.
Here are some essential web design tips that every web site should follow. Design your web site by following these tips and I guarantee that visitors will have a great first impression of your site. Fast Loading web site designs - This is the number 1 tip that every web designer should follow. You might design a web site that looks fantastic but few people are going to see it if it takes a long time to load. Your designs should be optimized for the web and should not take more than 15 seconds to load. Remember, you might have a great design but very few people are going to see it if it takes a long time to load. Click here to for 10 tips to fast-loading web pages.
Clear Navigation - Once a visitor has come to your site you need to make them go through your site. To do this you need to have clear navigation. Make sure all your important links are at prominent places. Preferably right on top - that's usually where a visitor first looks. Make use of menus on the right and the left. Try to link to as many pages of your site. Let your information be accessible from all parts of the site. You never know what a visitor may be interested in. Try to also use the footer for your important links. Click here for navigation tips.
All Resolutions - Today, there are computers with all kinds of resolution. They range from 640 x 480 to 1024 x 768 and go even higher. Your job is to design your site for all these resolutions. The best way to do this is to design your site in terms of percentage and not pixels. Click here to learn how to design websites for all screen resolutions.
Browser Compatibility - Make sure your site is browser compatible. Your web site should look good in Netscape as well as in Internet Explorer. Don't stop designing your site as soon as you find that it looks great on IE. Usually Netscape gives some problems, especially when you try doing complicated HTML designs. But don't give up too soon, usually with patience these problems can be easily fixed.
Readable and professional looking fonts - Don't ask me how many times I've clicked out of a site just because the font is in Comic Sans and the color is a bright pink or green. Just by looking at the font you feel that the site is not a professional site. Don't use Comic Sans and other fancy fonts that may not be available on most computers. If the font you use is not available in a visitors computer the web site will use the default font of your computer which is much worse. So try to keep to common and professional web fonts. The fonts that I always stick to are Arial and Verdana.
Minimize the use of images - I believe that sometimes simple designs are the most effective for the web. Keep your site simple but neat. Don't clutter your page with big, bulky images that take ages to load. Instead use tables creatively and design eye - catching icons that will draw a visitor's attention to a particular section of your site. Tip - Visitors are usually more interested in content than in design.
Use of white space - Try not to clutter up your page with too many images, backgrounds and colorful fonts. Again use the Keep It Simple principle by minimizing the use of graphics and using a lot of white space. White space gives a sense of spaciousness and overall neatness to a site. Notice the white space in our site.
Check for broken links - Always check for broken links within a site before uploading it to your web server. In Dreamweaver you can check for broken links by right clicking on any file in the Site Files Window and then clicking on Check links - Entire Site. If you don't have this facility you need to upload your site and then check it using online tools like Net Mechanic.
Both Mark Nenadic & Lara Newcomb are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Mark Nenadic has sinced written about articles on various topics from Web Development, SEO Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Marketing. Mark NenadicMark is the director and face behind , where you will find articles and resources to help with SEO, marketing and Web design.. Mark Nenadic's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.
Lara Newcomb has sinced written about articles on various topics from Certified Public Accountants, Search Engine Marketing and Architecture. - NetCraftMedia.com is a high-end web design, web development, and graphic design agency based in Phoenix, Arizona.. Lara Newcomb's top article generates over 823000 views. to your Favourites.