When designing a top quality website, we don’t simply make it up as we go along, here at Pumpkin web Design Manchester. In fact, our decisions are determined by our research, our user data and generally accepted best practices. But what does creating a great website involve? And what are these best practices for web design? Well, we have produced this checklist for small business success, detailing all the best practices for web design.
1.Original Design
The first thing thing we consider when planning to create a new website is an original design. The layout, typography, colour schemes and imagery all work together as defining elements within web design. And if your company is original, unique and exciting, then you need your website to reflect this. Instead of copying tried and tested methods, we strive to use these successful tools in an original and unique way. And small businesses across Manchester and the surrounding regions have been astounded by the websites we create for them.
2.Layout
One of the first elements mentioned above for defining web design is the layout. Your website layout will determine everything else about your web design. The usability and performance of the site itself will also be influenced by your website layout. So whether you go for a minimalist, single page approach with JavaScript bookmarks to navigate to the separate sections, or a more common website approach with individual pages, your layout is key. Hero images or videos, navigation bar sizing, positioning and style, as well as areas for text or video will need to be established before moving forward. In terms of best practices, all website layout should:
- celebrate the white space- leave enough space between elements in the web design for them to be enjoyed individually. Typography can cross elements in some web design, but this is only for special effect and should not be overused.
- the layout needs to work well on all screen sizes, as a good website will be responsive.
- the layout needs to be easy to navigate.
3. Navigation
Anyone landing on any website should be able to easily and efficiently navigate to different parts of the website. Navigation menus and buttons should be obvious, and pages should be labelled in a helpful way. The less steps that a user has to take to find what they want, the better.
4. Typography
When you think of typography, you probably think of the swirly font overlaid on a hero image on one of your favourite websites. And you’d be right. This is exactly what typography is. But it is also the type face you use for the rest of your content on your website. In terms of best practices for web design, your typography needs to:
- be responsive for different screen sizes and resolutions so that your website visitors can read your text on all screens
- be easy to read and understand
- be well spaced out
4. Speed
The speed of the website is essential to its performance. In fact, 1 second of lag can cause you to lose countless customers. As a result, speed testing a new web design is imperative. The load speed can be influenced by the presence of videos and large images that are not correctly optimized.
For professional web design support, get in touch with the experts today, here at Pumpkin Web Design Manchester. Manchester’s leading web design experts.