Often times, some of the most basic and fundamental web design elements go missing in many sites. Most of these older sites lack the proper navigation to help navigate the visitor through the website effectively.
Today in 2014, modern web design focuses heavily on usability for the end user, whether they are viewing the site on a Desktop, Laptop, Tablet or Smart phone.
Usability has taken a huge role as to how we designers & developers build website and implement certain technique to ensure that the Client’s vision has been met, as well as us landing on an effective solution for their business.
How do we achieve a website that seamlessly takes visitors through the site properly? Let’s break it down.
It starts with Navigation
Regardless of the business, it is extremely rare for a website to NOT focus on navigation, first and foremost.
Navigation plays one of the most important roles in helping your visitor find and get to important information on your site. Navigation not only encompasses the top menu, but also any additional buttons on the page, contact information or any other piece of design that helps point somewhere important.
We always tell our clients that because 3 different people looking at the same site may find a certain page 3 different ways (link, button, link in a slideshow image), that including these 3 ways of navigation are key. With most visitors spending an average of seconds on your site before deciding to stay or leave, it is so important to provide them with enough reason to stay.
Most Important Information First
When you buy a product, do you ever notice that the manufacturer puts the most important and eye-catching specifications up top on the box and easy to see?
It’s no different when it comes to websites, as whatever is the main service or selling point of your site, should be up front taking charge, and most importantly, very easy to find.
More tips next week on effective web design in 2014!
Until Next Time,
Josh Olswanger
Thrive Web Designs™ – Your Boise Web Design Team