Tutorial: How to make an impressive design
The goal for every web design I make is to impress the visitor. Of course every one has a goal of its own, but in my opinion the methods to use are the same. The most common problem you can run into (the way I view it) is the taste of your visitors. Every one’s taste differs, so it’s hard to make a good, impressive and functional design.
Of course it’s possible to buy a pre-made template from for example templatemonster, but it isn’t your own creation then. Certainly, you can customize it in any way you like and maybe you’re that kind off designer. Maybe I’m to, who knows. However I always use a short list when designing a web page.
The best way for you as a designer is to consider making a basic design which is simple and doesn’t have a lot of intense colors in them. I usually use a lot of grey tints in my design contrasted by one or two colors tops! DON’T USE MORE THEN TWO COLORS IN A DESIGN! I think it makes it look cheesy and doesn’t show your visitors that you have any knowledge about color management what so ever.
Now don’t get jumpy right away. I know the gve.com website hasn’t an terrific design either, but it leads you to the information you want in just a few clicks. Below you’ll find what I call “the list”. I always use it in my designs. Keep in mind that it isn’t the holy grail but it may help you in my opinion.
The valid8:
- First draw up a frame of the website on paper. It shows you how to set up the design you’re planning to make.
- Choose the colors you want to use. Make a color pallet in your design program.
- Don’t use more then 2 different colors. The used colors should contrast with the rest, but they have to bring unity to the whole.
- Don’t use intense colors, it will hurt people’s eyes, seriously
. - Name your layers in for example Photoshop. that way it’s easy to find out what is what at a later point.
- Always use DIV layers along with CSS. In the beginning it’s a bit hard I have to admit, but in the end it will save you hours of time!
- Use valid HTML and CSS. If it’s valid you get a bigger chance that it’s cross browser proof. You can find the CSS validator over here, and the HTML markup validator here.
- Don’t forget to test your design in different browsers (certainly Internet Explorer and FireFox). Keep in mind that Internet Explorer usually messes your page up, because it just doesn’t meet the standards!
Again, keep in mind this is only a list that I personally use. In time you’ll work on creating your own process!
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