Web design — you can’t do anything without this knowledge.
Designers create various products in their work, including websites, applications, and wearables. Today, I will present the most important information regarding web design. However, before addressing the main topic, I would like to draw your attention to several important aspects of designing.
First and foremost, when starting a design project, remember to design with an understanding of the environment. What do I mean by that? The technological background that allows you to create a digital product. Before you start designing, you need to make sure how the product will be created, what technology will be used to create it, and which programming languages will be used for this purpose. What’s next? Use what’s best for the specific project — focus on the most important features of the product and optimize the whole so that its use is as efficient as possible. During the design process, pay attention to transparency on every platform. Transparency is extremely important because it allows us to quickly familiarize ourselves with the content and use the product. If we don’t pay attention to adequate transparency, it will be difficult for users to navigate the project. Remember to adhere to the specific standards for the given environment during the design process, taking into account that deviating from the standards and creating a specific product may cause frustration among users related to the lack of ability to navigate the product. Try not to duplicate, especially in the context of UI. Also, remember to design in accordance with a specific system, as otherwise, your project will be used by iOS users differently than by Windows or Android users.
So, if we want to deal with web design and design websites that are not too large, what do we need to remember?
Grid System — by using a grid, we can create a website that is clear and pleasing to the eye of the recipient, and the elements on the page will be arranged in the proper way. You can find more information about the grid in the article “Grid system in practice.”
RWD/AWD — at the beginning of creating a website, we must choose whether we are creating a responsive or adaptive website. Responsive (RWD) is one that uses one layout and adjusts the content to the user’s screen, as well as changes the order of elements depending on the screen size. Adaptive (AWD) means a layout that we adjust to the user’s screen size.
Typography — when designing websites, remember to adapt typography to the product and make it pleasing to the eye. Typography gives us the opportunity for many changes and is a crucial element that affects the perception of the entire website. Typography can build a mood, convey character, but above all, it communicates and carries a powerful emotional charge.
Aspect ratio — in short, these are proportions. Most commonly used in optimizing and standardizing visual communication. For a single digital project, a maximum of 3 proportions should be selected. An exception to this rule are sliders and main banners, as well as advertising banners.
Density — as a UI Designer, you must constantly observe changes in digital products on the market. The increase in screen density is one of these changes. When you notice such changes, you must adapt them to your projects. This way, your projects will always be at the highest level.
Accessibility — accessibility is often still a neglected topic in the market, although it is extremely important. It consists of a range of facilitations that aim to enable people with disabilities to use the product.
Animations — when our website is representative, we can consider adding animations. I’m not talking about page transition animations, but about animations that embellish the page (for example, animated products).
Trends — they are an integral part of designers’ work, so it is necessary to keep up with them and incorporate them into our projects. However, remember not to blindly follow trends, but to add them in moderation to our products.
Wow effect — with this term, I conclude presenting to you the most important elements of website design. Creating a wow effect means making a huge impression on the user, which will make them want to stay with our product for longer.
