Some web designs require innovative and creative methods; however, successful websites apply different methods while staying within the confines of renowned design principles. Let’s have a look at the top 20 principles of good website design that work in 2021.
1. Typography
The use of typography is an essential component of any website. The size, color, and style of the font can make a huge impact on the readers.
2. “F” Pattern
The “F” pattern is a web page layout that copies the natural movement of a person’s eyes. A successful landing page usually has a layout that depicts the “F” Pattern.
3. “Z” Pattern
The “Z” pattern is another visually easing landing-page layout design option. This pattern works best when your website involves a call-to-action. It helps give basic instructions to the users.
4. Consistent Design
Keep the visualization, fonts, patterns, and colors consistent throughout your website. If your website design is not consistent, it can become confusing for the user. As a rule, choose two primary fonts and 3-4 primary and complementary colors.
5. Simple Page Navigation
This is a hard and fast rule of web design. You want your website’s navigation to be simple and sophisticated. Don’t make your visitors work hard to find the information they need.
6. Use Vibrant Colors
Advertisements make full use of colors to attract the attention of consumers. Humans naturally gravitate towards complementary and vibrant colors. Thus, fill your website with bright color schemes.
7. Audience-Oriented
Design your website around your target audience and help specify the website design according to their interests… and behaviors!
8. Calls-to-Action (CTAs)
A successful website uses button designs in creative and innovative ways. Creative call-to-action buttons can enhance the overall appeal of your website but, most importantly, informs visitors of the actions you intend them to take.
9. Do Not Overload
The header texts of your website should synchronize with the navigation bars of your homepage. Do not bombard the user with information above the fold; instead, keep things simple and understandable in order to maximize appeal.
10. Attention to Detail
It is important for a website design to pay attention to the little things that can make a huge difference. For example, visitors need to know who your company is and what it does in about 3 seconds or less. Second, as a rule, get the visitor to any page on the site in one click or less. Third, “tell” the visitor what it is you want them to do while on your site, i.e., browse content, complete a form, sign up for a newsletter, purchase a product, email/call you, etc.
11. Use Images
Imagery may even be more impactful than typography. Images create space and breathing room and separate content into manageable and consumable pieces.
12. User Experience
This refers to the usability of the website. This principle prioritizes the user-friendliness of the website above all others. Ensure that content flows in logistical order, that you define who your company is, why the visitor should care, and the actions you intend for them to take.
13. Grid Layout
A grid layout gives structure and organization to your web design. Grids are also easier to locate and comprehend.
14. Keep the Content Concise
Users with low attention spans will not read through huge chunks of texts. Therefore, it is advisable to keep your content concise and to the point. Save longer content pieces for “explanation” pages or blog articles.
15. Use Invariance
If your website focuses on getting users to make purchases, then the rules of invariance can be incredibly beneficial. We want users to take action and the rule of invariance states that website visitors are good at recognizing similarities and differences. Make product and product CTAs stand out of a crowd of similar objects.
16. Hick’s Law
Don’t give users too many decisions to make. Hick’s Law says that the more choices that a visitor has to make (on your website), the longer it will take them to make a decision.
17. Keep it Symmetrical
Symmetry is likely to entice the average user. Along with the invariable design, your website should also possess elements of beautiful symmetry for success.
18. Responsive Design
A responsive website design allows your website to adjust to multiple electronic devices. Responsive web design offers easier and more convenient browsing experiences and also attracts more mobile visitors to your website, loads page faster, decreases bounce rates, and improves conversion rates.
19. Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds is another way to approach website design. Here’s the idea: place a simple grid overlay (divided equally into thirds, both horizontally and vertically) on the space to be used for the design. The points at which the horizontal and vertical lines intersect are your sweet spots and are your true friends when trying to achieve optimum visual results for your visitors’ eyes.
20. Contrast
Whether it is color or layout, creating contrast will always play in your favor. Humans generally love the idea of contrast and react negatively to strict mono-colorization. Therefore, create contrast wherever it is necessary.
