If there’s anything that is true of the effectiveness of web design, it is in the utility and usability of the website while having very little to do with visual design.
To put it simply, it all comes down to one word: user-centric. For what good is a website, if the user can use it to meet their own objectives?
Keeping this in mind, here are 3 principles of effective web design:
#1: Get Rid of the Question Marks
As a website designer, you must be design your website so as to be obvious and self-explanatory. Getting from point A to B must be simplified as much as possible, and at best, should be understood by user as soon as possible. A clear structure of your website, easily recognizable links as well as visual clues can get rid of all the ‘question marks’, so to speak.
#2: Don’t test the User’s Patience
In the situation where the user might want to try a service or a tool, the truth is that the less the user has to do, the better it is. For example, filling out long forms as well as providing information like their email address at the outset is not the way to go. Instead, the website should be designed in such a manner that they can literally play with the service or tool.
#3: Effective Writing is the key
There’s a big difference between the print and online medium, when it comes to writing styles. People don’t have time to read large blocks of text and especially writing that is exaggerated. Using short phrases along with visuals as well as plain and objective language is the key to actually getting them to perform an action.