Step 5 WEB SITE DESIGN Layout and Visual Appearance
Layout
Roughly sketch a layout for individual pages, according to the page’s function. If you are going to be adding Google AdSense or other components to your site, allow space for them now so you don’t need to reorganise it later. Decide on the number of columns. What will you use to separate different parts of a page – lines, borders, colours, shading, blank space.
Shape
Width and approximate length of a page. It may be better to split a page into 2 or 3 if it will be too long.
Colour
Decide on a general colour scheme. This can be finalised when you create your site. The contrast should be great enough for all text to be clearly legible. Use colour as a signpost, on the same elements consistently through your site, so visitors can instantly recognise them. Colours can be used in lines, shaded areas, forms, headlines, borders, backgrounds, text and text links.
Backgrounds
Can be plain, or use an image; can be light or dark with contrasting text.
Navigation Bar
Experiment with the position of the navigation bar. Usually this is on the top right, or across the top underneath a banner or logo. Long pages should include a second navigation bar (usually just text) at the bottom of the page.
Images
Decide which images to use, if any, and resize them to the size you want shown. Use images sparingly - the more images you use on a page, the longer it will take to load. Read more about Images
Banner or Logo
Create a banner or logo to complement your colour scheme.
Text Format
Decide on the fonts to use in your text and headlines. Use fonts that are common to all browsers, such as Arial or Times New Roman. Strange fonts may look good on your computer, but may not be available on others. The browser would display a different font in that case.
Try not to underline words – they may look like text links and will frustrate users.
Read more about Content
Spacing
Reading web pages is more tiring on the eye than reading hardcopy, so it is a good idea to allow some blank areas on each page, where a visitor’s eye can rest. Visually this can be very effective as well. Don’t crowd elements or bunch them up together. Allow space inbetween.
Alignment
Align images with each other and with text. Centre some elements. Have a look at some good quality magazines to analyze what they do to achieve a clean, easy to read page
If this all seems too hard, just use a ready-made template. At Dream Templates you get unlimited access to their hundreds of professional designs. Much easier option, if you are not into graphic design.
Step 5 Web Site Design Home < Structure Go to > Web Site Content
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