What is Good Design?

Perhaps it's easiest to talk about what isn't good design. If you're looking at a web page and wondering why there are all sorts of flashing items and the colors are hurting your eyes, it's probably not well designed.

Everything on a web page should be there for a reason, and not because the designer/programmer just learned how to use Flash and thought it would be fun to put a little animated dog on the page.

Your website should have the visitor (i.e., person viewing the site) in mind, not the designer! Of course it should look nice and be easy on the eyes. And, it should fit with the purpose and audience of the site - which will be different for a skateboarding shop than for a financial institution.

But, it should also be easy to get around. Links (buttons) to the various pages in the site should be simple to find and in a logical order. The main content should be easy to read (no green text on a blue background!). All other relevant information (contact info, etc.) should be readily available.

You probably want a unique site that stands out from the rest. But, keep in mind you can have that while still impressing your visitors. Remember your website (like any other promotional material you put out) says a lot about your business or organization. If you want to present a professional image, your website must look professional!