Read & write

Everyone is using the web in their everyday lives. Even children are using the Internet as a complement to their school work. The people who design websites have a responsibility to give users a good experience when they are online.If a website is designed poorly, the user gets frustrated and is discouraged from using that website again. So, how can you improve your user's experience with good web design?

People go to the Internet to find information. When they land on a website for the first time, it is like walking into a big department store for the first time. The user gets an immediate first impression of the colors, layout and the general look and feel of the website.

If he does not get a good impression, or feel like the content is too disorganized for him to sift through, he will leave and move on to another website.

Therefore, it is important to create a look and feel that is pleasing to the eye. Certain colors are complementary to each other. Your choice of background color will affect your choice of font color. Avoid using a color combination that clashes. If you do not have a background in graphic design, it may help if you do some reading on the effect of colors on visual presentation.

Another aspect of the website that affects its look and feel is the how the content is laid out. There should be a clear navigation menu on every page of the website, just like each floor of a department store should have a store directory. The buttons on your menu should be clearly labeled to tell visitors what information is behind each button.

Your webpage should be divided into sections. If your webpage extends from one end of the screen to the other, the page should be divided into at least two columns. This makes it easier for your visitor to read your lines of text. Avoid posting one big block of text that is over 10 lines in length. Divide that into a couple of paragraphs. Allow enough space between the lines so your paragraphs will not look too crowded. Wrap your columns of text with an appropriately-sized margin. When you make strategic use of white space, your reader has a better time reading the text.

Your visitor will click on links and go from page to page to explore your website content. Make sure that each page can load quickly by keeping file sizes down. Avoid using autoplay if you are going to incorporate videos because that can slow down your page load. Keep your image file sizes down as well.

Include your contact information on its own separate page. You may want to include it in your footer as well. If you are using a form, direct your visitor to a thank you page after he submits it.

These basic tips can help you improve your web design for a better user experience. Good design will encourage your visitors to return.