Creating an Effective Web Site

Effective Web Site Design

One of the main things many organizations make a mistake of is letting the design of a web site get in the way of the overall message. The real goal of any web site should be to communicate. A web site design should complement the content of the web site, and help the site to achieve its overall goal.

Consider the web site audience, will the web site design being proposed for the site be appropriate? If a web site is being developed for an audience of senior citizens (many senior citizens experience degraded site as they age) and the web site designer is suggesting an "artistic" approach - maybe dark gray text on a light gray background with a very small font - is the web site audience going to potentially have a difficult time reading the information? Will they leave the site to go to a competitor's site that is more appropriately designed? Be aware of textured backgrounds as well - they to can make text difficult to read.

Maintain a consistent look across the entire design of the web site. Avoid bouncing between different colors and layouts for each section. This is not only confusing to the user, but also will make the development of the site appear as if it wasn't properly planned. Do not let the design of the web site deviate from your brand - it should reinforce it. A web site should be an extension of a company's brand - not a redefinition.