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Welcome to my first article, below are my top 5 rules when it comes to desiging a website.
Rule 1:Colour Scheme
A few years ago, the use of dark colours was "in", however I think one of my top rules is to avoid black! Of course in some cases black is acceptable but it should always be part of a gradient to make it less "in-your-face". Theres nothing wrong with a simple white page background.
Rule 2:Browsers
You should NEVER assume the user is going to use or not going to use a browser. Every design you create should look completely the same in all browsers.
Rule 3:Dark-on-Dark + Light-on-Light
I have seen many new designers using dark coloured text on dark backgrounds/content areas. This is a major no! and should eb avoided, What the point in the text been there if the user cannot see it?
Rule 4:Keep it simple
I have talked before about avoiding darker colours, but I also think avoiding cheesy toys like counters and clipart animations. These may look good to you but there simply cluttering up the page, If you really want something like a counter it should be put at the footer of your page.
Rule 5:ego!
Of course we all want to have the best looking site, but in order for it to be user-friendly make sure you get it reviewed my multiple members of your target audience, theres no point in you being the only one liking the design. It's like an artist will always like his work, so will a web design and so he should but its always important to make sure other people agree with you.
Thanks for your time, hope it was helpful.
Sean
Rule 1:Colour Scheme
A few years ago, the use of dark colours was "in", however I think one of my top rules is to avoid black! Of course in some cases black is acceptable but it should always be part of a gradient to make it less "in-your-face". Theres nothing wrong with a simple white page background.
Rule 2:Browsers
You should NEVER assume the user is going to use or not going to use a browser. Every design you create should look completely the same in all browsers.
Rule 3:Dark-on-Dark + Light-on-Light
I have seen many new designers using dark coloured text on dark backgrounds/content areas. This is a major no! and should eb avoided, What the point in the text been there if the user cannot see it?
Rule 4:Keep it simple
I have talked before about avoiding darker colours, but I also think avoiding cheesy toys like counters and clipart animations. These may look good to you but there simply cluttering up the page, If you really want something like a counter it should be put at the footer of your page.
Rule 5:ego!
Of course we all want to have the best looking site, but in order for it to be user-friendly make sure you get it reviewed my multiple members of your target audience, theres no point in you being the only one liking the design. It's like an artist will always like his work, so will a web design and so he should but its always important to make sure other people agree with you.
Thanks for your time, hope it was helpful.
Sean
