WebTech 101   Introduction to Website Design

Much like any picture on paper, a website must be presented in an aesthetically appealing manner. It is important to consider all elements of design when constructing a new site or revamping your image. Certain visual cues may send out messages about your website, a firm understanding of design fundamentals will help to harness those signals to be integrated with the overall site function.Shape Surely you are familiar with shapes, circles, squares, triangles, the occasional rhombus, but shapes can subtly evoke a reaction or expectation. The right angle of a square or rectangle is strong and unyielding while a circle might be more inviting or friendly. Consider the image you are trying to project and how shape might play into that objective.Line The contours and winding path of a line, no matter if its curved, straight or jagged, can help to direct the eye across the page say from a header down to important parts of the page, even inducing visitors to scroll down below the fold. Proper line use will allow a viewer to take in your site as intended without the need for flashy or visually obtrusive directives.Symmetry Symmetry is often used to create a visual effect, neither good nor bad, both symmetry and asymmetry can be used to suggest a certain point. For example, symmetry may indicate stability while asymmetry could point out a disparity. It can also be used in combination with line structure to lead the from portion of the page to another.Color Color is important in setting the mood or tone of your site, not to mention basic readability. Brighter colors will convey feelings of excitement, maybe even a retro vibe, while darker colors can suggest a more serious message. This is essential in establishing a theme for your website.Texture Not just something you can touch, texture can be either visual or tactile. Good texturing can help bring your page to life and be used in conjunction with color towards a creating a certain theme.Space Whether filling your space entirely with some sort of color or copy or leaving large portions of you page a bare solid-colored background, both approaches can give off an appropriate vibe depending on your sites purpose. Leaving blank space can be an effective tactic in presenting your online personality as often a few well-calculated words say more than long sentences. Trying to maximize space usage may also leave your site feeling busy. On the other hand, it can be important to convey complex messages explicitly.Size The size of objects on your page will influence what garners the most attention. Obviously larger items will command the most and extremely small items may be afterthoughts or subtleties. Items too large or too small can turn viewers off unintentionally or simply be difficult to read.Page Position The most important or visually attention grabbing items should be placed on the top half of your page, or “above the fold.” The term is derived from an ad-placement consideration in newspapers as these would be the only ads seen if a newspaper was merely picked up and set down. Similarly on websites, above the fold items will be seen regardless of whether a person scrolls down your page before moving on.