Website Design

Definition of Website Design

Website design is the process of creating the structure and visual appearance of a web resource. It includes the selection of color palettes, fonts, typography, as well as the design of layout and user pathways. Previously, website development focused on appearance, with the main goal of creating an attractive and aesthetically pleasing design. However, over time, marketers began to study user behavior and realized that interface usability plays a key role in decision-making. Therefore, a modern web designer not only focuses on visual aspects but also develops the structure of the site, aiming to make it intuitive and functional for users.

What Website Design Includes

There are many types of websites, such as corporate, news, online stores, landing pages, blogs, and portfolios. Despite the differences in content, from a design perspective, they include the same basic elements. Key components of website design:

• Visual Style: the selection of color palettes, fonts, and typography based on the company's branding or logo.
• Composition: defining the type of grid, rules for content placement, and visual accents on the page.
• Design of Site Components: creating buttons, links, menus, feedback forms, and other interface elements.
• Structure: hierarchy of sections and user behavior scenarios.
• Content: texts, images, and videos that should match the overall style of the site.

Responsive Design and Mobile Version of the Website

Users can access the site from various devices: laptops, tablets, smartphones, and widescreen monitors. Therefore, the designer must consider how the site will display on screens of different sizes. Responsive design is an interface that automatically adjusts to the user's screen size, ensuring convenience for everyone. An example is the Unisender website, which demonstrates how the layout changes depending on the size of the browser window.

Websites can also have a mobile version that is developed specifically for smartphones and tablets. It has a separate address and includes the key functions of the main version but features a minimalist and simple design for quick loading and easy viewing on small screens.

Basic Principles of Good Website Design

Good website design ensures ease of use. The page has correctly placed accents, and the user path is well thought out from entering the site to completing the target action. The main principles that will help create quality design:

• Functionality and Minimalism: the site should focus on accomplishing a specific task, avoiding unnecessary information or visual effects.
• Consistency of Style: all pages and components of the site should be designed in the same style, creating a cohesive perception.
• Compliance with Web Design Standards: adhering to established rules, such as the placement of logos and buttons, helps users navigate the site.
• Feedback in the Interface: users should understand the current status and the next step, achieved through color changes of elements and animations.

Steps in Website Design Development

The process of developing website design includes several key stages that a UX/UI designer performs according to the technical specifications:

• Defining Goals and Objectives: it is essential to clearly articulate what the site is for and what functions it should perform.
• Competitor Analysis: studying the structure and design of competitors' websites to identify best practices.
• Target Audience Analysis: understanding user preferences and habits helps create a more relevant interface.
• Development of Visual Concept: defining style, color palette, and fonts, as well as requirements for images.
• Content Preparation: gathering and structuring texts, images, and videos.
• Designing the Website Structure: defining necessary sections and hierarchy, building the customer journey.
• Prototype Development: creating a simplified version of the page to demonstrate the placement of key elements.
• Design of Key Pages: drawing key pages such as the homepage, personal account, and product card.
• Preparing the Responsive Version: creating designs for different screens and devices.
• Handing Over Design to Developers: preparing layouts and UI kits for the accurate implementation of the intended design.

Website Design Ideas

When creating website design, it is important to find inspiration and generate ideas. Use resources such as Behance and Dribbble, as well as study blogs and media for fresh ideas. Applying design principles and carefully planning each stage will help create a quality and functional web resource that attracts and retains users.