Web Design is a broad term that encompasses the different aspects of creating and maintaining a functional website. It includes everything from layout, visual hierarchy, and content organization to navigation and mobile-friendliness. A well-designed website creates a great first impression and makes it easier for users to find the information they need.
While web designers have a lot of control over the appearance and layout of their websites, they do not usually write the code that powers them. Web developers use their coding skills to take the designer’s wireframes and mockups and turn them into functioning websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The proliferation of no-code website builders like WordPress has made it possible for some designers to work solely on the appearance and layout of a site without also learning how to program.
The primary purpose of a website is to provide information, and web designers are in charge of making sure that all the elements on a page serve this goal. This is why it’s so important for designers to always be thinking about how the website can be improved; if the user gets frustrated while trying to navigate the site, they won’t come back. Keeping the user experience in mind at all times is what separates good web design from bad.
Layout is the arrangement of a website’s components, including headers, footers, navigation menus, and content. It involves determining which elements should stand out from each other through size, color, and spacing. For example, a photography website might prioritize large beautiful images while an editorial site may emphasize text and letter spacing. Visual hierarchy is another element of layout design, which is the process of figuring out how to make the most important information on a webpage stand out by establishing an order that’s easy for users to understand at a glance.
Content is the text and other information on a webpage, and it’s vital that web designers make it clear and organized so visitors can quickly find what they need. This is why a lot of web designers incorporate things like F-shaped patterns and simple, effective navigation that allows users to get from point A to point B without getting lost.
Graphics are illustrations, icons, photographs, and other elements that live on a webpage and provide supplementary information to the text. Designers choose which graphics to include based on their aesthetic appeal and how they will help the user navigate the site. Having consistent graphics across pages is also important because it builds trust and familiarity with the brand.
Speed is an important aspect of web design because it determines how long a user will stay on the website and what action they will take. A slow website can frustrate users, which will cause them to leave in a hurry, so it’s crucial for web designers to test their designs to make sure that they load quickly and efficiently. It’s also important for designers to keep in mind that most users will be using mobile devices when they visit a website, so having a design that’s responsive on all platforms is a must.