Website design can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve been given the responsibility of managing a web design project for your organisation.
At this stage, you’ve likely briefed and selected an agency that can guide you through the web design process. However, you’re still responsible for communicating your goals for the website and steering the agency in the right direction.To ensure your website is the best it can be, collaboration is key. Understanding web design principles will help you collaborate with a web design agency and run the web design project more effectively.It will also enable you to be more efficient with time and costs during the project, hit key deadlines, and deliver a beautiful website that’s tailored to your organisation’s requirements.
What are web design principles?
Web design principles refer to the fundamental guidelines and standards that govern the creation and presentation of websites. These principles include elements such as layout, colour, typography, user experience, accessibility, and responsiveness, all of which play a critical role in creating an effective and engaging website.
In this guide, we outline 14 key web design principles that will ensure your website meets your users’ needs, generates leads, and effectively communicates your brand and values.
Let’s dive in.
1. Consistency: your website should have a consistent design and layout throughout.
When it comes to managing a website project, it’s important to keep in mind that your website is often the first point of contact between your brand and your audience.As such, it’s crucial to make sure that your website looks great and functions as it should.
One way to achieve this is by implementing a web design system.A web design system is a set of guidelines and tools that help define the visual identity, layout, and functionality of your website.By using a web design system, you can ensure that your website is consistent, efficient, and accessible for all users.An important aspect of a web design system is your website branding guidelines.These guidelines will define the visual identity of your website, including the use of colours, typography, and imagery.By following these guidelines, you can create a cohesive and recognisable brand image that resonates with your target audience.
Your web design system will also include UI components.These are the ‘building blocks’ of your website, such as buttons, forms, and navigation menus.By defining a set of UI components, you can ensure that your website is consistent and easy to use.This helps reduce user frustration and makes it easier for your audience to quickly find what they’re looking for.
2. Usability: your website should be easy to navigate and use.
Usability should be a top priority when designing your website.A website that’s easy to navigate reduces user frustration, increases engagement, and ultimately leads to more conversions.At Contra, we ensure a great user experience by using a number of methods.The first rule is KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid).Keep the navigation menu simple and intuitive.Use labels that accurately describe the content of the pages they link to.Avoid using jargon or overly technical terms that might confuse users.
For example, if your menu links to your latest news updates, label it ‘News’.Don’t overcomplicate it by calling it ‘Developments’ or something abstract as it will only confuse the user.Make sure the navigation menu is prominently placed on your website, such as on the top or left side of the page.This can help users quickly find what they are looking for.Ensure your top menu nav floats as you scroll.This is particularly important if your main CTA is embedded in the navigation (e.g. ‘Contact Us’).
