5 tips on web design

When it comes to web design and development finding good advice is like looking for a needle in a haystack. There are just too many articles and tutorials to filter through. So over the past six months I have done some filtering for you.

With a little help from the web celebs, this is what I have learned. Consider them my condensed version of lengthy articles, or tips. I use them all the time.

Commitment

We all want more return visitors and websites that push commitment have a hard time getting them. Users need to be lead, not pushed, by a good call to action. However, getting commitment requires more than a good call to action. It require something for users as well.

Users commitment requires

• Trust
• Time
• Tolerance

Honesty is the first step to trust. While a good call to action can provoke interest users need to trust you first.  Also, users need time and tolerance to make their decision. While reducing distractions increases tolerance time is something that is totally dependent on the user.  Simply put, commitment is decision users make when they are ready.

Ask the Right Questions

When working on a design for a client you can avoid needless confrontation by keeping the conversation solution oriented. Instead of asking if a client likes a specific color, focusing the conversation on aesthetics, ask if the feel is appropriate for the sites visitors. This calls for attention to detail and planing on the designers part.

When you ask questions avoid those that are based on emotion. Instead ask how the site relates to the visitors.

Do you think that this black and orange color scheme is appropriate for teenage girls?

By asking questions that focus on the goal, a design that is appropriate for the user, we can gain more ground; even if the answer is no.

Be Different

Think outside the box. It’s very important to set yourself apart from the competition. For example take a dull site map and rethink. Site maps don’t have to be boring. By colorizing them or putting them in the footer you can add spice to a website in no time! Don’t think it’s about following trends though. It’s about the contribution you can make.

Think Smart

Think before you act. Get a sketch book! I make this a personal goal. Putting your thoughts and ideas on paper will help them happen faster. Draw up a design or concept before you implement it. This will save you a handful of hair and give you a few more hours of sleep.

Consider your code. Before you breakout your favorite editor, sketch out the process and structure first. This will save loads of time on complex projects; and organizing your thoughts is never a bad idea on small projects too.

Connect

Don’t make everything from scratch. Use your resources to increase productivity and increase your ROI. You can’t recycle your time; spend it wisely!

Using Vimeo, Flickr, and other third party web apps can sometimes be the solution your client is looking for. Utilizing WordPress is an excellent example of using your resources, if you are making a blog. While it’s fun to make your own CMS try not to re-invent the wheel.

If you are programming make thing easier by using outside resources. Consider joining a forum, searching documentation and guides, or grabbing some open source code to complete your next project. You might even learn new trick or two while you’re at it.