You’re working on a new web design and you’re fussing over the home page. You’ve got very limited space. Just 1024 x 768 pixels to play (minus toolbars and scroll-bars). Every pixel matters. Doesn’t it?
In our experience, the majority of time in web design projects is spent sweating over every pixel of the home page. Often it’s based on the belief that the home page will make or break the deal. If you consider the time it takes for visitors to leave your website, it could be true.
Because of the scarce space, many home pages end up looking like they have ADHD. They’re blinking, flashing, distracting and competing for your attention.
So here are some guidelines for designing a great home page for your website:
- Prioritise the elements that are most important to your business
- Don’t let your home page compete against itself for attention
- Make sure that everything is clear and readable at all costs
- Don’t expect your home page to deliver every single important message that you have
- Use your home page as a signpost to your website content (useful information).
The reality is, every pixel is important. One of the best ways to make every pixel count in your web design is to use the battleship grid described by Robert Gorell at Future Now: Revenge of the Pixels: The Battle for Screen Real Estate
About Brett Gilbertson