A huge part of what makes a web designer so essential is their ability yo create something that is truly distinctive and engaging. With the likes of WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace available, website designers really need to dig into their creativity to give their clients a unique product. To do this, consider the following strategies:
- Use Color to Unify Your Website
Many people are too afraid to venture outside the traditional black and white when designing websites. While there is nothing wrong with that, anyone hoping to take their creative designing to the next level should try using a bit of color. When used properly, color in website design helps to improve flow and cohesion.
As users look through the website, the color or colors used will help to guide the user’s eye to wherever you want it to go. This engages the visitor, keeping them interested enough to keep searching through the website. Additionally, designs that use colors that complement other elements of the website allow for a cohesive user experience by creating a sense of flow throughout the entire site.
- Embrace White Space
Just as intentionally using color is part of creative website design, so is using white space. Instead of going out of your way with other design elements to make sure the site is filled with attention-grabbing content, consider using white space to emphasize the simplicity of everything else on the site.
This extra space won’t make your website seem empty; it will improve readability and help to prioritize content. Moreover, it gives the website a cleaner and sleeker look, something that most users appreciate when they visit a site.
- Curate the “Look”
The most creatively designed websites have stunning visuals. By better curating the visuals, style, and other design elements used on the site, you’ll ensure that the website stands out from the competition. As you work to create the right “look” for the site, avoid any content or design that disrupts the flow of the site.
When working on the visuals, don’t hesitate to use web design tools like AdobeXD to keep things as efficient as possible. This will allow you to seamlessly converge your web designs from programs like Photoshop and Illustrator, making the prototyping process that much simpler.
- Simplify the User Experience
There’s nothing as aggravating as trying to navigate a website where the designer hasn’t taken the time to simplify the user experience. These websites may be slow to load or have far too many pages, making it difficult for the user to find what they want. Confusing navigation on sites often signals that the designer didn’t spend enough time designing their site. In addition to this leading to a poor user experience, it can also turn your client off completely.
Instead of making your website design a free for all, keep the user experience in mind. Look for any way you can streamline content, create a navigation hierarchy, and develop responsive design that allows for a similar user experience when switching from one device to another.
- Opt for a Longer Homepage
The strategy of having a longer homepage will help to keep the user engaged, as this will improve navigation. With all of the essential information readily available, users will be less likely to leave before they have found what they were initially looking for. This homepage navigation list should include any of the basics that first time visitors would be interested in.
Consider using the following:
- Intro Video
- Product Features
- Description of Services
- Case Studies
- About Us
These basic sections are generally what all visitors look for. Having them front and center will streamline the user experience, making things more efficient overall.
Designing engaging websites is all about finding the most creative ways to interact with users. By keeping this guide in mind, you’ll be able to design websites that are both captivating and intuitive enough to keep clients happy.
