What Are The 5 Principles of Web Design?

A visually appealing web design will get the viewer’s attention but for the user to stay for longer and engage, web design usability is indispensable. The appearance of the website coupled with the functionality is a viable tool to clinch customer engagement. One cannot be detached from the other, they need to work together in unison along with principles of web design.

A dynamic website would be able to use both of these to facilitate its customer experience. Non- specific websites that are generic, and do not keep the end-user in mind are the opposite of an effective web design. A good web design would be determined by the users and their overall experience of the website. That is why web design is not merely about aesthetics but also includes other equally significant features. The usability of the website shoulders much importance when it comes to the actual client needs. Hence, it is recommended to get assistance from one of the top web designing companies in Bangalore to design your website.

5 Principles of Web Design in 2022

The website serves as the reflection of your business and it is also the place where the first impression is created. A favourable impression is necessary so that a customer is satisfied with the initial interaction so that the customer would return in the future if they are not purchasing that instant.

If you are planning to develop a new website or make adjustments to an existing website, here are the 5 principles of web design that you need to be aware of before you progress.

1. Have A Clear Website Purpose

The design for your website has to be set with a clear purpose. The webpage and each section must have specific purposes that they address. Arbitrary features without any clear need just create clutter on the site. Every feature has to be set out with a purpose, be it -in conveying information, interacting with customers, or even transactions.

A compelling web design is one that caters to the needs of the user. While a website may have numerous purposes, there are some which are inherent to almost all websites;

2. Simplicity is Key

Cramped and messy websites just don’t work. People lose focus when information is abundant, images and overall noise. Customers while browsing through business websites are hastily seeking the information that they desire, they are often disinterested to read elaborate and long paragraphs of product descriptions. Short and simple texts have the most impact then. Locating the required information becomes much easier when the website is designed to meet the needs of the customers. Also, simple web design plays a key role while you design an attractive ecommerce website.

Typography is another detail that cannot be overlooked when we are taking principles of web design. Fonts that are simple to read without being too fancy are the ideal type. Also, it is superior to use not more than three typefaces across the body and headings. By sticking to just a few colours and fonts, the user’s attention is kept in check.

Intricate designs, complex animation and other pretentious effects with the sole aim to impress the customers often just overcrowd the website and create barriers to your customers to absorb the necessary details.

3. Quick Load Time

With no dearth of choices and a shortage of time for website perusal, people do not wait around for sites to load. If a webpage takes a few extra moments to load, the customers are ‘poof’ gone. Instant gratification is the need of the hour, quick load times rightly gives that instant satisfaction.

Fortunately, there are so many tools available to website owners where they can lessen the loading time of their websites and see improvements. Optimizing the size of images and other tricks can be utilized to enable better performances.

Nobody likes a website that takes too much time to load, even Google is less likely to show your website at the top of the searches if it is slow. As speed is a criterion for the algorithm.

4. Website Navigation

Site Navigation is one of the most important principles of web design. Navigation is primarily about how people move around the page, the process should be fairly simple and users need to be able to go through what they need with ease. Instead of haphazard placement of texts and visuals, when things are located clearly it becomes much simpler for the customer to steer through the website.

Designing a logical website visual hierarchy, having clickable buttons and using bread crumbs are some of the strategies employed to assist in navigation Navigation needs to be simple and consistent on all pages, this will avoid any confusion that users may have. Puzzled users leave a website, and move onto another website that offers the same service but rather straightforwardly delivers their information.

A good rule of thumb is to follow the ‘three-click’ practice, what this entails is that customers would be able to locate what they need using a maximum of three clicks. Another great practice is using CTAs or call-to-actions, they would be able to guide users to the next rational step. For instance, texts like “Know More”, “Buy Now”, “Register Now” and so forth can be used to direct customers effectively.

5. Mobile Friendly

Ranking well on Google warrants that the website should follow responsive web design principles and be responsive across multiple screen sizes and devices. A stagnant website would not only hinder Google ranking but would also be a struggle for users.

In case your website is not mobile-friendly, it is mandatory to either develop a responsive website or design a site solely optimized for mobile users.

One cannot neglect mobile users, as smartphone users have seen a mammoth growth and continue to expand. Ensuring that your website can be used on mobile is an absolute requirement.

Final Words

If you are developing a website from scratch or you are in the process of updating or optimizing your current website. These constructive website design principles are the cornerstone to building a successful website. They assist your website to be more engaging and memorable to visitors. Eventually contributing to the customer experience on the whole.

Website design is a field that constantly metamorphoses, there are new aspects that come into play now and then. However, if these five principles of web design mentioned are worked on they will be able to provide fruitful results.