One of the primary mantras for site design is simplicity. The whole notion that a website must be simplified can actually render website owners a bit confused.

If your idea of a simplified site is to remove items from your website so the focus is on a small grouping of products or information you may have an unbalanced view of simplicity in site design.

The idea of simplicity extends to the flow of the site. What I mean by that is the design can be rather complex, but the simplicity factor is made evident in the ease of navigation and fully defined segments of the site.

In essence, simplicity is less about a lack of information or design elements and more about a comprehensive means of helping your site visitors find what they need ? when they need it ? on their terms.

In defense of a simple looking site, I will say that it can be a bit overwhelming to find a site that has every available spot filled with something. Most sites need a bit of breathing room, but the removal of items from your website does not necessarily mean you have a simplified site design ? it may simply mean you cleaned house and now there's room for a more functional set of furnishings.

Think about it this way; when you travel on a busy interstate would you find it more helpful or less helpful to have fewer signs along the freeway? Sure there are some signs you could do without like the endless stream of billboards, but what about the signs that tell you where the exits are to the destinations you are ultimately trying to reach? What about the signs that help you discover where to refuel your automobile, find a hotel or even places to eat? These signs may be important ways to assist you in your journey.

This is exactly the point of a simplified website. Remove only what is useless and make the rest of the site easy to navigate with clear helps on where to find the tools that will aid you in a positive site experience.

Site design is all about making sure your visitors can leave satisfied with a positive test drive ? and reason to consider coming back.