The pinnacle of web design is where form and function work together. A good web design is a platform for performance. On the other hand, a bad web design is a serious liability.
Note that it’s actually not a battle of form vs function. It’s the two working together.
In order to reach the pinnacle with a web design, you must base your designs on:
- Knowing the purpose of the website and what it needs to accomplish (e.g. generate leads, make sales, educate, entertain)
- Thorough understanding of the intended audience, which includes things like their:
- Needs, wants, desires (as they relate to the web design)
- Intentions
- Age, sex, occupation, personality type, demographics
- Experience with websites
- Likely viewing environment (Is it at home? At work?)
- The intention to deliver what the audience needs and wants
- Deep study of user interface principles for web design
- Experience, knowledge and flair for web design (or design in general).
Now to achieve all of these points, you’re going to need more than just a web designer.
Firstly, you need to bring to the table what you know about your customers and what they want from your website.
Secondly, you need to engage someone who can plan your web design around the needs of your customers. This person has expertise in typical user behavior on the web. This is often not a web designer.
Lastly, you need a web designer.
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