Web Hosting - Web Design

The Essence of Designing for the User
Submitted By Woody Longacre

Creating an easy to navigate, easy to read and easy to use website that sticks to the main topic must be paramout when developing a website. Follow this simple guideline when creating your website.

Don't make users think their way through your site:
- Don't create questions in the user's mind about your message.
- Keep the layout simplistic and easy to navigate.
- Use plenty of whitespace.
- Don't make users figure out how to use your site.
- Stick to simple common design techniques.

Stay focused:
- Do not frustrate users with difficult to read text.
- Stay on subject, don't cause the users' attention to wander.
- Keep your message simple but informative.
- Don't be shy about directing users on what to do. I.E. (Buy Now, Sign Up, Register, Click Here, Get it Now).

Use text effectively:
- Create text that is easily scannable for a quick read.
- Short sentences and to the point.
- Organized and objective.
- Use small fonts sparingly, a larger text font is best.
- Sites with good text and poor graphics are better then the opposite.