10 Web Design Principles for a Good Website

Why is Web Design Principles important?

To answer that, here is a question for you to think of

Have you ever visited a website that was confusing, slow, or just plain ugly?

Chances are, you didn't stick around for long.

If you want to make a great website, good web design is essential. We all know an ugly site when we see one, but what exactly makes a website attractive?

Believe it or not, there are exact principles of design which can help guide you in creating something that looks good and works for your users. In this article, I'll walk you through 10 principles that all go into making a great web design.

Web Design Principle #1: Usability

Usability refers to how easy is it for users to navigate and interact with a website. It is a very important aspect of web design.

A website is usable when it is simple, easy-to-use, and intuitive for users. For a great user experience, usability is crucial.

If your website is difficult to use, visitors will more likely become frustrated and exit which leads to a high bounce rate and low conversion rate.

Here are some pointers for enhancing web design usability:

1. Organize and keep the layout straightforward. To make the material easier for visitors to skim and read, you can arrange it with headings, bullet points, and white space.
2. Make use of standard navigational patterns and design patterns. Users will find it simpler to use the website as a result.
3. Get real users to test the website. This will assist you with finding any usability problems and resolving them prior to the website's debut.
4. Link text should be precise and descriptive. Users can use this information to determine whether they want to click on the link and where it will take them.
5. A mobile-friendly website should be present. Your website must be simple to use on mobile devices because more people are using them to access the internet.

Web Design Principle #2: Responsiveness

A website must look good and function properly on any device, regardless of screen size or quality. Responsive design accomplishes this as it helps users to navigate your website without any problems on any device.

Your website must be responsive because more and more people are using their smartphones and tablets to access the internet.

Here are some tips for creating responsive web designs:

Layouts and grids should be versatile. As a result, the website will be able to adjust to different screen widths.

Depending on the size of the device's screen, use media queries to apply various styles.

Image optimization for various screen sizes Use of improperly sized photos can cause the website to load slowly on mobile devices.

To make sure the website looks and functions properly on all devices, test it on various ones.

If your website isn't optimized for mobile devices, users are 5 times more likely to abandon it.

Web Design Principle #3: Accessibility

Accessibility refers to the design of websites, products, and services to be usable by as many people as possible, including those with disabilities. Accessibility is important in good web design because it ensures that everyone can use the website, regardless of their abilities. This doesn't only benefits people with disabilities but also those who may be using a device that is not fully compatible with the website.

Here are some tips for improving accessibility in web design:

1. Write clear and descriptive headings and link text. This will make it easier for users of screen readers to understand the content of the website.
2. Write proper alt text for images. This will allow screen readers to describe the content of the images to users who are unable to see them.
3. Choose colors with proper contrast. This way the text will be easier to read for users with visual impairments.
4. Use semantic HTML tags. This will allow screen readers to understand the structure of the content and present it in a logical order.
5. Test the website with users who have disabilities to ensure that it is fully accessible.

Web Design Principle #4: Aesthetics

Aesthetics refer to the visual appearance of a website, including its layout, color scheme, font choices, and images.Good aesthetics are important in web design because they contribute to the overall user experience and can influence how visitors perceive the website and the brand it represents.

According to a research from Google, users form design opinions in 17 ms. Which just further emphasise importance of having a good aesthetics for your website.

Following these tips can help you create attractive web designs:

Here are some tips for improving aesthetics in web design:

1. Choose a color scheme that is consistent with your brand guidelines.
2. Use a clean and simple layout. Avoid clutter and give elements plenty of white space to breathe.
3. Use high-quality images that are relevant to the content and add value to the user experience.
4. Use font sizes and styles that are easy to read and not too overwhelming.
5. Test the website with different users to get their feedback on the aesthetics and make any necessary improvements.

Web Design Principle #5: Brand Consistency

Brand consistency refers to the use of the same visual and verbal elements across all channels and touchpoints of a brand. This includes the logo, color scheme, typography, tone of voice, and messaging.Maintaining brand consistency is important in good web design because it helps to establish the brand's identity and creates a cohesive user experience. It also helps to build trust and credibility with customers.

Here are some ways you can achieve brand consistency in web design:

1. Make a brand guideline outlining the logo and other visual and linguistic components. You can include things like a logo, colour scheme, typography, tone of voice, and messaging in the guidelines. 
2. Use the same graphic components consistently throughout your website (such as your logo and colour palette).
3. Ensure that the website's messaging and voice tone are consistent.
4. Regularly check your website to make sure it adheres to the brand's design guidelines and make any necessary modifications.

Web Design Principle #6: Content

Content refers to the any information that is displayed in your website be it images, media or plain text.

High-quality content is important for web design because it provides value to anyone who is using your website and helps you to achieve the goals that you have defined for your website. Regardless whether the goal is to provide information, educate, sell, or entertain, good content is crucial to engage and convert visitors.

I can hear you saying "What if I am not good in content creation?"

Well here are some tips to help you create quality content for your website:

1. Understand your target audience and create content that helps them with the problem, needs and/or interests.
2. Create contents that can be easily understood.
3. Structure the content with headings, bullet points, and white space to make it easy to scan and read.
4. Use rich media like images, videos, and other media to provider better user experience
5. Break up large blocks of text into smaller blocks of text
6. Regularly check back and update the content to ensure that it is remains accurate and relevant.

Web Design Principle #7: Functionality

Functionality refers to the features and processes of a website that allows it to perform the intended tasks and provide value to users. Quality functionality is important in web design because it improves user experience and helps you achieve the goals that you have set for your website.

If you are not sure how to improve the functionality of your website, fret not as here are some tips for improving functionality in web design:

1. Make sure the website is easy to navigate and use. Use clear headings, simple menus, and intuitive design patterns.
2. Use clear and descriptive calls-to-action (CTAs) to guide the user towards the desired action.
3. Use forms and other interactive elements that are easy to use and provide a good user experience.
4. Use reliable and secure payment processors for e-commerce websites.
5. Test the website thoroughly to ensure that all features and processes are working as intended.

Web Design Principle #8: SEO

SEO, or search engine optimization, refers to the practice of optimizing your website to rank higher in search engine results for specific keywords and get more relevant traffic. SEO is important  because it helps to increase the visibility and credibility of your website. It also helps to attract the right kind of target audience to the website, which can lead to higher conversion rates.

SEO as a whole can be quite overwhelming which is way we offer our SEO service to help business like your to attract quality leads.

If you looking for some DIY to help you start with SEO, here are some quick way to do:

1. Make sure the website is free of bugs and errors. Bug and errors are indication that the there are some errors having in your website. Fixing them should be your utmost priority.
2. Make the website is easy to use and navigate. Use clear headings, simple menus, and intuitive design patterns.
3. Write clear and descriptive calls-to-action (CTAs) to guide the user towards the desired action.
4. Keep your forms short
5. Use interactive elements that are easy for the user to consume and at the same time provides a good user experience.
6. Use trustworthy and secure payment gateways for your e-commerce websites.
7. Test the website thoroughly from time to time to ensure that all features and processes are working as intended.

Web Design Principle #9: Security

Web security refers to the steps taken to protect a website and its users from cyber threats such as malware, hacking, and data breaches. Good web security is important because it protects the website and its users from potential harm. Which leads to higher trust and credibility with users. This is especially important if you are running an ecommerce website as users might be reluctant to provide any personal or financial information on an insecure website.

Here are some tips for improving security in web design:

1. Get a hosting provider that offers frequent security updates and monitoring.
2. Make sure your website uses HTTPS and SSL to protect the transmission of data.
3. Regularly update your website's software and plugins to fix any potential security vulnerabilities.
4. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for sensitive accounts.

Web Design Principle #10: Testing

Website testing can be defined as the process of checking the website performance and user experience to find and fix any issue that popup. It is important to test your website thoroughly  from time to time. As it helps to ensure that your website is fully functional, user-friendly and actually working towards meeting the goals that you have for your website.

Not sure how or what to test when it comes to your website, here are some ways to do so effectively:

1. Test the website on different devices and browsers to ensure that it looks and works as intended on all of them.
2. Use testing methods such as A/B testing and usability testing to gather feedback from users. This will not only allow you to identify any issues but also help you get the best possible content in terms of conversion
3. Test your website's performance, including its performance, speed and stability.
4. Test your website's security to ensure that it is protected from cyber threats.
5. Regularly review and update the website based on your test results.

Conclusion

We hope that we have helped you to the importance of following the right web design pricinples and how you can maximise it to grow your business.

In today’s world, where everyone wants to look professional online, it seems like a lot of businesses struggle to find affordable web designers in Malaysia. But don't worry; here at Specflux Solutions, we understand how important it is to have a well-designed website that works as your 24/7 marketing staff.

So regardless of whether you're starting up your business or already running one, let us help you build a beautiful and functional website that doesn't break the bank.

We offer quality website design in Malaysia. Save your time and concentrate on your business. We will help with your web design. Specflux is the trusted provider for web design Malaysia.