Web design tips for non-designers

More ArticlesCopyright © 2007-2010 Wayne Davies

Many of the techniques used by graphic designers also work in web page design. Here are 3 simple tips that can greatly improve the look and feel of a website...

1. Restraint
2. Line spacing
3. Use of guide lines

My list may be too short for some tastes, but I like to keep things simple. And the above 3 tips are the key to good web site design.

Restraint

Designing a functional web page that is also good looking isn't easy. One tip I learned early on, was the importance of restraint. Resist the temptation to cram in too many fonts, photos, animated graphics and colours.

The best designs limit the number of colours and photos, avoid animated graphics unless they're essential, and use no more than 2 fonts.

Line spacing

The space between 2 lines of text is important. If there's too little white space, it's harder to read each sentence. This slows down the reader, and increases the chance they'll give up.

Simply increasing the space between lines of text instantly makes a site easier to read.

Use of guide lines

Professional web designers use guide lines. If you look at this page, you'll notice a light blue border around the entire page. There's also a more subtle guide running across the bottom of our masthead, and down the right-hand side of the page.

Guide lines like these work in web design because they...

• Help to balance the overall design
• Delineate different sections of the page
• Help the reader find the beginning of the next line

Business web design

These 3 web design tips can help any business improve the look and feel of its web site. Contact ASureImage and get more in-depth help with your site.