Web Design is the art of presenting information on a website. It has many aspects to consider: Usability, Layout, Typography, Navigation, and Branding. When constructing a web page, keep these elements in mind to ensure the success of your project. The best websites also have a simple design that users can quickly navigate.

Usability

A website’s usability is a critical factor in determining its survival on the Web. If a website’s navigation and design are complicated, users are likely to get frustrated and leave. An easy to navigate website increases the likelihood of returning visitors, referral traffic, and conversions. Usability is a fundamental aspect of good design, and creating an effective one isn’t difficult.

Usability experts say that website navigation must be straightforward and convenient for visitors. However, website owners often substitute practical features with aesthetic features. While these may be aesthetically pleasing, users may be less likely to convert to regular clients.

Layout

The layout of a web design determines the visual balance of the page, how elements are presented, and the order in which they appear. It also determines how easily a user can navigate through the site. A well-planned layout can improve the usability of a website while enhancing the message. An appropriate layout can draw a visitor’s attention to key areas of a site and create interesting interactions. It also helps showcase the latest trends in web design.

The main menu is one of the first things users look for when navigating a website. To prevent your visitors from having to scroll back up to find the main menu, you can use a fixed sidebar. This vertical column stays visible even if the page is resized or rotated. This layout works well for small websites with limited navigation options.

Typography

The importance of typography in web design has become increasingly evident over the last decade. The rise of new fonts such as Helvetica and Comic Sans brought typography to the public’s attention. However, even though the use of fonts is essential for effective branding, some may question its further usage in web design.

Typography can show users who’s behind a site and what it is about. Its treatment creates an atmosphere and elicits a response, much like the tone of a voice. Using a good font can draw your readers in and increase the time they spend on your site.

Navigation

Navigation in web design can take many forms. It can be a traditional list of links positioned horizontally or vertically, or a menu-style navigation bar. The traditional pattern is best suited for smaller sites. However, with the mobile-first trend in mind, some designers are hiding navigation behind buttons, or creating full-screen menus that contain five or more links.

Good navigation is the backbone of any website. It can either lead a user to conversion or send them away never to return. While most websites have some form of navigation, some are able to go beyond the basics to really wow the user.

Usability tests

Usability testing is a way to ensure that a web design meets the needs of potential users. A usability test takes the time to observe the way the intended users interact with the website. This helps the web designer identify areas of the website that are prone to problems. It also helps to discover what users might not be able to accomplish if they are using the website.

A usability test involves watching non-technical people perform specific tasks and recording their experiences. The target audience will not have any technical knowledge, so it’s important to make the testers’ experience as similar to a first-time user as possible. To accomplish this, the testers should be given specific tasks, such as navigating the website. Afterwards, they should be asked to narrate their experiences.

Cost

Cost of web design can vary greatly depending on the type of website and its complexity. Simple websites usually cost less than $8000, whereas more complex websites can cost up to $12,000. These sites often have a lot of features, complex structures, and custom illustrations. However, they also require more work and resources than simple sites.

Before committing to a certain price, make sure to ask your agency for an estimate. It’s better to work with an agency that can talk numbers right off the bat, as this will allow you to amend the price if needed. Many agencies work with a client’s list of pages, features, and examples of websites to create an estimate.