I like things simple. You could say I'm a minimalist. This especially applied to design on the web. Web design, just like any other graphic design, is as much a science as an art. Graphic design is the use of art to create something that is functional. Art can be created for art's sake, having only use to those who appreciate it.
The design used on a web site should focus on the goals of the site. One of these goals is to properly portray information to visitors. The brand of you company, the type of business your company is in, and information about the products and services you offer. However, not all of this information needs to be placed on the home page.
Look at this web site design:
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Notice how cluttered it is. It seems the designer felt "More is More". However, it turns out it is just difficult to follow and come away with a central message. What do they do? At a glance, what incentive do I have to explore the site?
Now, observe this web site design:
Notice how you get a subconscious emotional tie instantly to the site. You know what they do, believe that they are a credible company, and have many opportunities to follow a link and explore the site; more than opportunities, you have an interest to do so through the use of good "hooks" on the home page. The home page is like the cover of a magazine or a billboard. You aren't going to get people's attention for long, so present 3-5 main "hooks", use simple clean design, and use the rest of the web site design and pages to convey the entirety of information your company is presenting.
In the end, it's a cliché, but I believe it is true as it applies to web design: less is more.
Posted:
1/22/2009 4:21:09 PM by
Tom Loveland | with
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