R. Craig Collins > Web Page Design > Web Page Design Tips

Web Page Design Tips © R. Craig Collins, 2007

Tips

• Web pages should be easy to read, with good contrast between background and text (see colors and making background images)
• Web pages layout and design should be consistent throughout the site (see CSS)
• Web pages should be easy to navigate, with link destinations clearly labeled, and links back to your main page; consider a navigation bar on the top or side (see links, tables, and frames)
• Web pages should be quick to download (see optimizing)
• Web pages should be easy to find (see MetaTags)

• Balance and Proximity
  • Don't align everything to the left, use tables to place text and graphics across the page , too
    • Avoid too much symmetry on a page, to keep interest up
  • Place related items close together
  • Use white space
    • Use white space to enhance groupings by surrounding related items with space
    • White space can also separate items, to add focus, and improve readability
• Contrast and Focus
  • Occasionally, vary typefaces, colors, sizes, etc., to increase emphasis
  • Don't forget the main idea of the page, and design the page to draw attention to that area

There is no magic formula to making an attractive web page. As a study in different approaches, consider web sites like Google (that use a lot of white space to focus you on the search box) and news sites like MSNBC ( loaded with information, using a large graphic, grouping, or colored headlines to draw your attention on a crowded page).

Finally, draw out a design or two BEFORE you start coding.