Symmetry is a frequently used design choice that carefully balances the page with an equal weight of content. The line of symmetry tends to be horizontal, but for a split screen design, this can also be diagonal. However, since responsive design has become an essential consideration, the purpose of the symmetrical page has shifted somewhat, because of the vertical alignment of mobile devices, instead of horizontal desktop or laptop screens. And now asymmetrical design is growing popularity. But what should you consider when breaking symmetry in web design, and how can you do this successfully? Well, here at Pumpkin Web Design Manchester, we are Manchester’s leading web design professionals. From Wigan to Southport, we work with companies across Manchester and the surrounding region to deliver high quality web design solutions that really get results. As a result, we have produced this guide to everything you should know about breaking symmetrical design.
Important considerations for breaking symmetry in web design
If you want to create a website that is asymmetrical, with different weights of content on each side, or that doesn’t fit neatly into specific boxes, you could create a stunning and effective website. However, there are some considerations to bear in mind. These include:
- Creating structure- when you remove the need for symmetry in web design, you can leave your website open to becoming a little chaotic. You need to make sure that this is chaotic good, rather than bad. As a result, your website layout needs to be practical, and have structure, even if this is not symmetrical on each side. This will help your users find the information they need, and it will also help your website to be more professional in style.
- Off centre- by shifting the main focus of each screen, just off centre, you can break the standard horizontal line of symmetry. It is important to make sure that this looks deliberate, and is built in to the design of the website, otherwise it could look like a design error, which would be a negative impression to give to your website users.
- Be consistent- as with any style of web design, consistency is key to success. As a result, you could consider creating an asymmetrical template that really works, and apply this to each website page. This can help your website appear fully professional and cohesive, as well as supporting and defining company branding.
- Direct the attention of the user- in a traditional symmetrical website, the attention can be focused on the item or content that stands out visually. This may overlap the lines of symmetry for a more effective result. Without these symmetrical lines though, it can be difficult to position key features, like the call to action button. A design that is not symmetrical will instead need to direct the eye by using web design techniques, such as overlapping content, colours and contrast.
For more information or advice, or for high quality, professional web design solutions, get in touch with the experts today, here at Pumpkin Web Design Manchester.