A Beginners’ Guide to Web Design : Top Tips for From Our Experts

Starting Out

The ideal place to begin is at the start, particularly because starting a new design project with too much enthusiasm can lead to a wrong approach. It’s easy to fall into this trap when you’re new and eager. Starting off on the right foot is often crucial for a design project’s success. There are several things to consider as you start

Take Action

Above all else, remember to initiate. The consensus among the community is crystal clear: simply go for it!

• No matter the task at hand, take action without wdelay.
• Set aside the articles and unleash your creativity by creating something impactful.
• Enough with the procrastination; it’s time to kick-start your journey!
• The most daunting moment always occurs right before you begin.
• Embrace the fear, forge ahead despite it, learn from failures, and repeat the process.
• Stop wasting time and dive right in.
• Avoid over thinking and trust your instincts to get started.

Begin with the Traditional Tools

Here’s what the design gurus suggest:

– Kick things off with a trusty pencil and a blank sheet of paper, not the sterile click of a mouse or the clatter of a keyboard.

– Let your best ideas be born on paper, where they can truly flourish.

– Always opt for the classic combination of pencil and paper, as they hold the secret to unlocking the best designs.

– Here’s my top design tip: forget about your fancy Mac, PC, and apps, and return to the simplicity of paper and a sharp pencil.

– Harness the power of pencil and paper to lay down the foundations of your concept before diving into the digital realm.

– Never underestimate the magic of sketching. It holds the key to shaping a remarkable design right from the start.

– Begin by sketching out your ideas, allowing them to take form and guide you towards a stellar design.

– Remember, the journey starts with paper, where creativity knows no bounds.

– Embrace the freedom of sketching on paper, liberating your ideas from the constraints of current technological capabilities.

– When designing for the web, take a step back in time. Plan and prototype your user interface and functionality using the timeless medium of paper.

– Power down your computer and return to the basics. There’s something incomparable about those initial sketches crafted with an old-fashioned pen and paper.

– Design tip of the day: start with pen and paper, only turning to software when you have a crystal-clear vision in mind.

– Personally, I relish the process of mapping out ideas on a sizable sheet of paper, simultaneously jotting down the functional aspects of my creation.

So, my friend, let’s heed the wisdom of the design aficionados and embark on our creative endeavors armed with nothing more than a trusty pencil and a humble sheet of paper. Remember, the magic lies in those initial strokes that give life to your imagination.

Meeting Timelines

Now, let’s be clear, we designers shouldn’t obsess over deadlines to the point of stressing ourselves out. However, we shouldn’t dismiss requested timeframes either. Deadlines should linger in the back of our minds, gently reminding us that we have a schedule to adhere to, without being a constant interference. For some, deadlines serve as motivation, while for others, they simply mark the endpoint. Without deadlines, some designers would continue to redesign indefinitely.

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

– Excellent design takes time, so it’s crucial to set realistic deadlines (and then multiply them by two).

– Aim to have a slightly insufficient amount of time to complete your design work. It pushes you to stay focused and productive.

– Pay close attention to your clients, ensuring that you genuinely understand their needs and when they need them met.

Remember, my friend, when it comes to deadlines, striking a balance between staying on track and maintaining your creative flow is the key to success. So, embrace the timelines, use them as guides, and deliver designs that dazzle while respecting the agreed-upon schedules.

K.I.S.S.

The overwhelming response we received from our Twitter followers was the timeless advice of “keep it simple, stupid.” KISS is recommended in numerous industries, and in the realm of design, it holds even more true. Design is a vibrant and expressive field where countless elements converge to convey a specific message. However, the more you add to a design, the more cluttered it becomes, increasing the likelihood of muddled messaging. Therefore, strive to create the simplest presentation that effectively communicates.

 

• Simplicity reigns supreme. Make it visible, not overly visual.
• A designer’s duty is to communicate in the most straightforward manner possible.
• The rule of threes is a personal favorite for uncluttered designs: limit yourself to three fonts, three images, and three colors.
• My go-to design tip is to follow the KISS principle: keep it simple, stupid!
• Clean, clear, and concise is more impactful than flashy and cluttered! Clear away the excess and make it awesome.
• Keep your designs simple so that people can focus on the content.
• Embrace simplicity and cleanliness!
• For a solid design, I suggest using a maximum of two fonts and a few colors to maintain simplicity and avoid confusion.
• Don’t overcomplicate a design. According to Occam’s razor, the simplest explanation is usually the correct one.
• Turning the simple into something complicated is commonplace. Transforming the complex into something brilliantly simple, that’s creativity. That’s design.
• If it doesn’t serve a purpose, remove it. In the end, extra graphics only serve as distractions.

White Space

We also received another popular response that falls within the K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Stupid) philosophy – it’s all about white space. White space is incredibly important, yet many designers seem to overlook its value, feeling compelled to fill every nook and cranny with something. However, there’s a lot to be said for embracing white space and avoiding the sin of unnecessary clutter in your designs. White space provides breathing room for page elements and, in turn, for those who view the page. Designs that are overcrowded tend to make us feel uneasy, so incorporating white space helps alleviate that tension.

• Empty space can be just as, if not more, effective than images. Utilize empty space wisely.
• “Good design is as little design as possible.” (Dieter Rams)
• Less is more.
• The best design advice I ever received was to “reduce, reduce, reduce.” When you’ve eliminated everything unnecessary, that’s when you know you’re finished.
• Embrace white space alongside deep, harmonious colors.
• Don’t fear white space.
• Remember the importance of white space and follow guidelines.
• White space holds as much significance as the actual content in your design.
• Avoid cluttering your page with an excess of images, backgrounds, and colorful fonts. Keep it simple.
• White space is not wasted space.
• Don’t feel obligated to fill every available inch; squeezing in every type of media and irrelevant information won’t do you any favors.
• White space is your ally, not your adversary.

Colors

Another aspect worth considering is color. Every design involves numerous color considerations, especially in relation to the intended message. Color plays a significant role in communication, and many of the suggestions received emphasized its importance. Designers must grasp at least the basics of color theory and the application of color to a website.

• Opt for a restrained color palette, if you please.
• Here’s a quick color scheme for non-designers: start with a core color, then select darker and lighter variations while adjusting saturation but not hue.
• Don’t shy away from embracing colors.
• When selecting colors for a client, do it near a window; sunlight is consistent, but indoor lighting can vary.
• Simplicity reigns supreme when it comes to color palettes; explore shades for more versatility. In 2011, less is more.
• When choosing a color scheme, aim for contrasting adjacent elements instead of matching them (e.g., white walls and black curtains).

The Learning Journey

Given the vast amount of resources available within the community, the learning possibilities are virtually boundless.

• Learning knows no boundaries, much like the expansive horizon (a Chinese proverb) – a sentiment that resonates deeply within the world of design.
• Let the pursuit of knowledge be a lifelong endeavor.
• Keep nurturing your passion for learning.
• Endeavor to embrace new knowledge, and continuously push the boundaries of your abilities with each fresh project.

User-Centric Focus

Focusing on the user is essential to determine what needs to be designed in the first place. Without a clear understanding of the target audience, creating a usable website becomes a daunting challenge. As you delve into the design process, strive for intuitive interactivity that allows any user to navigate the website effortlessly.

Here are some key takeaways to guide your design approach:

– Strive for aesthetically pleasing designs without sacrificing usability.

– Remember, no matter how visually stunning a design may be, if it lacks functionality and discoverability, it becomes rather futile.

– Get into the mindset of the target user.

– Prioritize function over form!

– Every design endeavor begins with an audience analysis. How can you expect users to connect with your design if you don’t know who they are?

– Never underestimate the users’ abilities.

– Keep the client in mind, but always design with the end user in focus. This way, everyone involved will be satisfied.

– It may sound mundane, but here’s a valuable tip: form follows function! A design is considered good if it allows users to accomplish their goals in their preferred manner.

– Think of the user first, and let the design follow suit.

– User experience surpasses everything else. If it lacks usability, it lacks value.

– The key to crafting simple and usable designs lies in understanding: understand the users, the reasons behind the design choices, and the business objectives.

Save… A Lot!

When you’re fully immersed in a project, riding the wave of inspiration without a moment to catch your breath, it’s only natural to forget this little detail. But beware, my friend, neglecting to save can have dire consequences. It’s all too easy to lose countless hours of work, like a disappearing act performed by a mischievous magician. Just a single glitch or hiccup in your system or app, and poof! Your progress is gone in an instant. Trust me, when that happens to you, you’ll realize the true value of this advice.

So, here are a few handy reminders to keep your work safe and sound:

– Make it a habit to use the Command + S shortcut often. It’s like a secret spell that protects your precious creations.

– SOS: save often, stupid. Yes, it may sound harsh, but it’s a blunt reminder to never underestimate the importance of saving your work regularly.

– Embrace the beauty of simplicity in your design process, and don’t forget to hit that save button frequently. It’s like putting a safety net beneath your artistic tightrope.

– Always bear in mind the golden rule of saving your work often. It’s like taking regular pit stops during a long journey to refuel and recharge.

– Remember to save your files early and frequently. It’s like securing your design treasures in a digital vault.

– Never, ever forget to save. It’s the simplest and most valuable tip I can offer. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver.

Oh, and let’s not forget—your design prowess is no match for a sudden system failure or an untimely computer crash. So, my friend, always be diligent in saving and backing up your digital masterpieces. Make it a ritual, a sacred duty to protect your creative endeavors from the fickle hands of technological mishaps. After all, prevention is the best remedy, and saving… well, it’s your ultimate insurance policy.

So, save like there’s no tomorrow, my friend. Save like a squirrel hoarding acorns for winter. Save like a Bollywood hero rescuing the damsel in distress. Your hard work deserves to be safeguarded, cherished, and celebrated. And by saving often, you ensure that your creative journey remains smooth and free from heart-wrenching losses. Happy saving, my fellow artist, and May your digital canvases always remain intact and brimming with brilliance!

Get Inspired

Here’s another valuable tip for those working in fields where a fresh and imaginative perspective is highly valued—keep that fire of inspiration blazing bright. And guess what? Design is no exception. Inspiration is the key ingredient, and the design community goes to great lengths to ensure its continuous flow. Designers devote countless hours to seeking out diverse sources of inspiration, both broad and project-specific, in order to maintain their creative edge. Remember, inspiration can strike at any moment, so be ready to seize it.

• Don’t worry if inspiration hits you while you’re showering or even on the porcelain throne—it’s all part of the creative journey.
• Don’t live in a design bubble. Seek inspiration from others, whether it’s through online platforms or face-to-face interactions.
• Make carrying a notebook with you everywhere a sacred ritual. You never know when inspiration will make its entrance.
• Inspiration often emerges from unexpected sources, so keep your eyes wide open to catch those elusive sparks.
• Let your eyes devour the world around you. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of life to fuel your creative fire.
• Now, hold your horses! I’m not suggesting you steal or copy someone else’s genius. But do allow their creativity to inspire your own unique journey.
• And yes, take that trusty notebook of yours everywhere—bedroom, bathroom, restroom. Inspiration shows no mercy when it comes to location.

Time to Take a Break!

We received a bunch of suggestions from our awesome followers, all urging us to break free from the clutches of our computer screens and seek an invigorating recharge. Unplugging ourselves and immersing in the great outdoors has the power to breathe new life into our perspective and overall mindset. As we embrace nature’s embrace, our minds find solace away from the usual grind of our work environment. This mental liberation from stress and creative roadblocks can pave the way for remarkable breakthroughs when we return to our desks.

• Take a breather from work and indulge in some delightful fun to replenish your energy and find fresh inspiration.
• Desk-bound inspiration is a rarity; it’s out there, beyond the confines of your workspace.
• Don’t confine your wellspring of inspiration to the confines of the web. Venture out to the library, embark on a photo walk, or engage in some people-watching with a trusty notepad and pen in hand.
• Inspiration flows from the bountiful realms of nature, not from a mere Google Image search.

Don’t Push It

The goal is to have your designs exude an organic and effortless vibe, not like some mechanical assembly line output. If you’re not feeling inspired, it will reflect in your work. Of course, we don’t always have the luxury of waiting around for inspiration to strike (thanks to those pesky deadlines), and there are moments when we must push through and work anyway. However, in general, it’s important to cultivate creativity so that we don’t have to forcefully summon inspiration.

• Let it flow naturally; don’t overthink it or it will appear forced.
• Don’t strain yourself. Inspiration will come to you naturally, resulting in a much better outcome.
• When you’re stuck, take a step back from the project for a while, then return with a fresh perspective and new ideas.
• If you’re struggling to generate ideas, take a break, and explore our resources to let inspiration take hold.

Layout

Layout was a topic that popped up in many responses, and rightfully so. When it comes to design, layout is absolutely crucial given the multitude of visual goals it needs to achieve. Functional design goes beyond mere clickable elements and navigational depths. A significant portion of its success hinges on the interplay of visuals and interactivity, both of which play a pivotal role in enhancing the design’s functionality.

Let’s break it down with a few key pointers:

– Keep your focus on the main objective. Ensure that the core message remains front and center, commanding attention. After all, no matter how amazing the design, it won’t matter if the message is unreadable or lost in the chaos.

– Make the copy layout the backbone of your design. It should provide a solid foundation that supports the overall visual composition. Remember, legibility is paramount.

– When presenting design options to clients, provide both black and white and color comps. This allows them to distinguish between the layout itself and the impact of colors and design elements. It’s like showing two sides of a coin—giving them a clear view of the possibilities.

– Here’s a handy rule for effective layout and positioning: strive to divide everything into manageable sections that can be easily divisible by four. It’s like organizing a perfectly proportioned jigsaw puzzle—each piece fits snugly into its designated spot.

– And let’s not forget the “squint test.” This nifty trick helps evaluate the graphical layout with a fresh perspective. Squint your eyes, and focus on the structure, contrast, spatial relationships, and usability. It’s like viewing the design through a different lens, allowing you to spot any potential flaws or areas of improvement.

So, my friend, when it comes to layout, remember that it’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about achieving a harmonious balance between form and function. Keep these tips in mind, and watch your design come together like a well-choreographed Bollywood dance, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience it.

The Mighty Grid

When it comes to layout, there exists a guiding principle that designers universally embrace and endorse: the grid. This magical tool empowers designers to approach their work with a calculated precision, ensuring that elements harmoniously come together in a complete and functional design. For many, the grid is an irreplaceable ally in crafting clean and professional masterpieces. However, some designers view the grid as a starting point, allowing themselves the freedom to break its rigid structure when it serves the greater purpose of enhancing the design.

• Always let the grid be your trusty companion; it never disappoints. Stay organized and watch your creativity flourish.
• Lay a strong foundation by harnessing the power of the modular grid before diving into the realm of free-form design. It’s like tapping into your intuition for seamless creativity!
• Ah, the invisible grid—what you don’t see is just as vital as what you do. It’s the secret ingredient that adds that extra touch of finesse to your design.
• Embrace the grid, but don’t be afraid to shatter its boundaries. Break free and explore uncharted territories to discover the hidden gems of design.
• Remember, your designs won’t truly shine until you wholeheartedly grasp the essence of the grid. Embrace its logic, and the results will leave you spellbound.
• When it comes to page layout, leaving things to chance is a risky game. Always rely on the grid as your steadfast companion.
• Harness the power of the grid, for it does not limit you—it empowers you to make informed design decisions. It’s like having a reliable co-pilot on your creative journey.
• Pay close attention to the grid. Let its wisdom guide you towards design perfection.

The grid, my friend, is a design knight that will transform your work into a realm of harmony and order. Embrace its structure, bend its rules, and watch your creativity soar to new heights.

Creating Visual Hierarchy

When you’re setting up a design and arranging different components, it’s crucial to establish a visual hierarchy within the piece. This aspect holds immense importance in every design because it serves as a means of communication with users. By implementing a clear hierarchy, you guide users, highlight interactive and navigational elements, and prevent them from feeling left in the dark or overwhelmed. Some users may require a moment or two to grasp it, but they are compensating for any shortcomings on the designer’s part.

• Every page necessitates a visual anchor that captivates the user and commands attention within the design.
• Establish a distinct hierarchy of elements, ensuring it’s evident what to focus on first, second, and third.
• Maximize the effectiveness of the overall experience by placing controls and content in relevant positions, creating emphasis where it matters most.
• Remember to evaluate your design in grayscale. This allows you to perceive true contrast and gain a sense of hierarchy.
• Trust your eyes. If they aren’t instinctively drawn to the crucial parts of the layout, you better make some adjustments.

Seeking Advice from the Uninitiated

Never underestimate or disregard the wisdom of outsiders—the valuable individuals who may not be directly involved in the project (or even the field), yet possess a wealth of insightful suggestions for improvement. Their perspective won’t be clouded by the intricate details that often entangle us designers. Embracing feedback from the community and potential users is typically instrumental in the design process, so don’t overlook it.

• Don’t shy away from soliciting others’ viewpoints.
• You can never proofread too many times. Enlist others to review your work as well.
• Consider critiques from individuals outside your creative circle; users and consumers hold significance.
• Explain your fresh design project to a friend and request their opinion. Document their feedback.

Typography

Typography, as per the preferences of our followers, is another key aspect of design. It’s essential that no element appears as an afterthought, but unfortunately, typography often ends up in this category. Whether it’s the improper sizing or color choice, or even text that’s simply unreadable, incorrectly executed typography diminishes the impact of a design.

• Cool as it may look, white text on a dark background is often illegible.
• Always opt for a quality font like Helvetica, and steer clear of Arial. If you’re a designer, consider investing in some exceptional fonts.
• Avoid underlining text altogether.
• The right font has the power to make your design truly shine.
• Ensure that your website functions properly even when users enlarge fonts. This is a major issue (often overlooked) that can break websites.
• Become exceptionally skilled in typography. It’s what sets amateurs apart from professionals.
• Keep in mind that browsers, subpar monitors, and search engines can resize and distort your type. Plan accordingly to mitigate any potential problems.

Unleashing Uniqueness

Unlocking the secret to making a website truly stand out is by embracing the power of originality. One effective approach to achieving originality is by familiarizing yourself with the established design principles, allowing you to purposefully defy them. Without a solid grasp of the fundamentals, how can you be sure you’re blazing a trail of innovation rather than following worn-out paths?

• Don’t confine yourself to the confines of what’s currently trendy. Originality means boldly stepping beyond the boundaries of everyone’s comfort zones.
• Seek to discover your own distinct style! Embrace the art of being genuinely original.
• While drawing inspiration from others can be beneficial, strive to incorporate an increasing amount of your own unique ideas. This is what sets you apart as a bona fide designer.
• Design is a delicate dance between adhering to established rules and fearlessly breaking free from them.
• Let others inspire you, but never allow yourself to become a mere imitation. Cultivating your own signature style is paramount.
• Be unapologetically original.
• Master the foundational principles of your craft so intimately that you can discern precisely when to discard them for the sake of innovation.
• Rules, tips, and tricks have their merits, but rules are meant to be shattered. Dare to be different, while always following your instinct for what feels and looks right.
• Never be afraid to disregard passing trends; trends are merely the product of like-minded visionaries.

Believe in Your Gut Feelings

The voice that sets your designs apart is none other than your own, so embrace it. What’s more, learn to rely on it. Your skills and design prowess have landed you this opportunity, and it’s crucial to have faith in your instincts to steer the project towards success.

• Design tips may seem like guiding mantras when compiled, but if you’re as skeptical as I am, they can be counterproductive. Instead, trust your instincts and rebel.
• Stop obsessing over it. Everything is just fine!
• Put your trust in your instincts.
• When exploring a new technique, give it a shot before resorting to tutorials. More often than not, you’ll discover valuable lessons along the way.
• Have confidence in yourself, but always sleep on it.
• Rely on your gut feelings.

Time to Unwind

In every project, it’s absolutely essential to take breaks. Yes, deadlines are crucial, but so is maintaining a fresh and rejuvenated mindset (as mentioned earlier). If you’ve been going full throttle for hours, nose to the grindstone, it’s time to give yourself, your clients, and the project a breather. Step away and let your perspective reset. Allow the design to sit for a day or so, and then evaluate its appeal and effectiveness with a renewed gaze. This is particularly important when you feel like you’ve reached the project’s end.

• Let it marinate overnight, and reassess it the next day.
• Once you believe you’re done, halt. Take a break of at least four hours. Return and reevaluate.
• Remember, a design is never truly finished. Continuously strive to enhance what you’ve created. It will transition from good to better to extraordinary.
• Step away from the project, let it simmer, and return a day or two later to make revisions. Even when working under tight deadlines, this step is crucial.
• After you’ve “finished” your design, take a break, then revisit it to identify any unnecessary elements.

Just like a well-deserved chai break during a hectic day, these pauses are essential for maintaining clarity, creativity, and a fresh perspective. So go ahead, take that breather, and watch as your design flourishes with newfound brilliance.

Sleep Well

– Rest up, dear designers! Our alertness and sharp minds are paramount.

– A good night’s sleep enables us to deliver the fresh and cutting-edge work expected by our clients.

– Don’t toss and turn for hours, dwelling on the work that awaits you. Let it go and turn off the project for the night (or whenever you sleep).

– Sleep more. Allow yourself the luxury of quality sleep.

– If you have the opportunity to seek counsel with your pillow, seize it! The morning brings wisdom that the evening lacks.

Remember, my fellow designers, sleep is a precious ally. Embrace it, recharge your creative batteries, and wake up ready to conquer the design world with a fresh perspective and boundless energy.

A Few More Tips to Carry Along

We’ve gathered a treasure trove of remarkable advice from the web design community, and we’re thrilled to pass it on to you, keeping things concise. Here are a few more gems straight from the experts. Huge thanks to our Twitter followers for sharing their favorite insights, and a big shoutout to you for sticking with us through this extensive compilation post.

– Shift your mindset from “campaign” to “conversation.”

– Streamline your workflow by optimizing reusable elements like presets, actions, custom panels, and grid layouts. It’s a time-saving game-changer.

– Remember, a design has a mere 56 seconds to captivate someone’s attention. Solve this challenge with a slideshow featuring call-to-action buttons.

– Design to meet your client’s needs, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.

– Don’t underestimate the impact of a one-pixel line—it can transform the entire feel of a design.

– Embrace creativity and allow yourself to make mistakes. Design, on the other hand, is about discerning which mistakes to keep.

– Expand your horizons with literature that complements your design journey. Highly recommended reads include “The Non-Designer’s Design Book” and “The Smashing Book.”

– Asking the right questions is an art in itself.

– Remember, there is no fold (the mythical bottom edge of a web page).

– Details matter in design, just as they do in matters of the heart. Paying attention to the minutiae can elevate a design from good to extraordinary.

– Infuse passion into every design you create. That enthusiasm will make a world of difference.

– If you make everything bold, nothing stands out as bold.

– Balance your time between learning, doing, and teaching, but don’t forget to rest too.

– Consistency is the backbone of identity. Align your imagery, message, colors, and fonts across all design mediums.

– No matter how much time and effort you’ve invested in a website, if there’s any doubt about its functionality, be ready to start afresh or reconsider delivering it.

– Think before you begin. Without proper planning, failure is already looming.

– Don’t underestimate the power of the CSS property “word-wrap: break-word.” It’s a game-changer designers often overlook.

– “Be consistent” should be the mantra guiding all your design endeavors.

– Keep code in mind while designing. Familiarize yourself with the capabilities and limitations of XHTML, Flash, JavaScript, and CSS.

– Always adhere to the fundamental principles of CRAP: contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity.

– Educate your clients, educate them some more, and keep educating them! An uninformed client can be a significant hurdle in your design journey.

– Don’t stop at asking a question—provide the answer too.

– Remember, your most valuable tools are analog: pen, paper, eraser, ruler, coffee (of course!), end users, and diverse perspectives.

– The ultimate goal is not to live forever, but to create something that will.

– Failure is not an end, but a starting point for growth.

As members of the design community, we’re always seeking knowledge and opportunities for growth. These tips are like precious pearls of wisdom that have shaped our professional paths. By openly sharing them, we contribute to the collective growth and improvement of our community. So, let’s keep the knowledge flowing and continue to thrive together!

Fun fact

When we asked for design tips, we received quite a few suggestions in the form of links and fundamental theories of art and design. Our amazing followers emphasized the importance of designers having a solid understanding of this knowledge. So, we’re including them here at the tail end to make sure they don’t go unnoticed.