What Is Web Design?
Your website isn’t just a digital version of your business card; it’s a powerful sales tool that can either bring in new customers or send them running to the competition. To make it work, it must not only look great, but also be easy to navigate and convert. That’s why it’s important to nail down specific goals before you start picking colors and fonts. Whether you want to boost online sales by 30% or capture 50 new email subscribers each month, the right web design can help you get there.
Web design is a broad field that includes a variety of skills and principles. It encompasses everything from ensuring an optimal contrast for readability to creating a sense of harmony and flow in a layout. It also includes technical skills like responsive web design, CSS3, HTML5, WebGL, and user-centric design.
Some of the more well-known elements of web design include typography, layout, and color. However, the core of web design is content. Having a well-written, compelling story, supported by high-quality imagery and visuals is key to creating an engaging experience for visitors. Web designers are responsible for delivering that content in a way that is compelling, easy to read, and accessible to all audiences.
As the world has shifted to mobile devices, web design has become more complex and focused on user experience. It has also evolved to incorporate new technology and features, like responsive design, WebAssembly, sustainability, and the rise of interactive and immersive experiences. Keeping up with these changes can be challenging for many web designers.
Unlike print designs, websites must be optimized for multiple screen sizes and resolutions. This requires web designers to carefully consider layout, grid structure, image optimization, and file size requirements. It also requires them to understand how their designs will perform on various browsers and devices so they can test them accordingly.
Navigation is an important element of web design that helps users move around interfaces and find the information they need. It often involves arranging and hiding content to create a clear hierarchy and to optimize user interaction. It may also involve applying patterns to streamline navigation for different device types, e.g. progressive disclosure and navigation drawers.
In the past, web design relied heavily on skeuomorphic effects to create a sense of depth and three-dimensionality. These effects include gradients, shadows, textures, and the imitation of 3D objects. However, more recent trends toward flat and minimal designs are reducing the use of these elements.
Small businesses need a strong online presence to stand out from the competition and attract new customers. They need a branded, professional site that inspires trust and confidence and generates organic search traffic. But they also need to be able to manage their own content without relying on outside support or expensive development services. Fortunately, modern tools have shattered the divide between expert design and accessibility, with platforms like Divi bringing high-end, customizable visuals to any website with a visual builder and premade layouts.