Web design isn't an artistic endeavor. It entails a wide range of abilities, from copywriting & typography to structure, layout, and art, all fused together to produce an interface that not only looks good but also conveys function and allows quick access to its information.
However, in order to successfully combine all of these parts of Web design, you must have a clear direction, a direction that will steer each and every facet of your design toward shared goals. You must plan ahead of time.
What is Strategic Web Design?
Strategic design is the integration of your organization's goals into all aspects of the design process. You're not only creating a visually appealing, functional, and accessible user interface. You're creating an interface to assist you to achieve your organization's goals.
Many websites appear great and follow the newest design trends, yet they frequently fail horribly in their intended function. Design trends are vital because they provide new ideas and approaches, but the use of those techniques and styles must be logical and focused. A blog, for example, is not a marketing brochure; you must prioritize usefulness and readability over design. Similarly, a computer game advertising website should have visuals and designs that reflect a certain mood and style; the aesthetic is highly crucial here.
When a designer just applies a trendy appearance and feel (think Web 2.0 trends) without considering how they match the function of the website or the company behind it, the end product is unlikely to be particularly effective.
The goal of web design is to create an interface that conveys function, is useable and accessible, and emanates the appropriate emotion and mood. All of these features must be in sync with the objectives of the website and the organizationโs goals behind the website in order for it to be effective. The purpose of strategic design is to identify such goals and use them to drive your design.
Strategic Design Implementation
Let's look at six phases for thinking strategically concerning a Web design project:
- Set out your goals.One of the very first things you should do before beginning work on a Web design project is to understand your client's or organization's objectives. What do you want to accomplish with the new website or redesign? What is the primary goal of the website? Inquire with your client, your management, or yourself about them. If they or you are unsure, they should be addressed and agreed upon. If you want your design to have a purpose, you must have a clear direction.
- Understand that a website isn't a work of art; it's an interface with a purpose. This role might be to sell things, distribute information, entertain, inform, or offer access to a service. Whatever that purpose is, your design must prioritize it. Goals are very crucial, especially when redesigning. Ask why you're redesigning: are you hoping to boost sign-ups, decrease bounce rates, or improve user participation?
- Define your target audience.Your website's design and functionality will be heavily influenced by your target demographic. Age, gender, occupation, and technical skill are just a few of the variables that might affect your design. A computer gaming website for a younger audience must be written in a distinctive style than a serious business magazine. For older and far less technically competent consumers, usability should play a larger role.
- Who your audience is will affect not just the overall design of the website but also a lot of little elements, such as font sizes, so make sure you're clear on who will be utilizing your website.
- Determine the image of your brand.Many designers are overly influenced by the newest trends and then incorporate them without first considering what kind of image they should be expressing.
- Think of colors. Consider the mood you want to create and the feelings you want to induce. Your design should reflect your brand's individuality and character. Even if you don't sell a product or service - for example, if you maintain a blog - your website has a distinct feel that leaves an impact on your visitors. Make a decision on what these impressions should be.
- Goal-driven design strategy.You've chosen the objective of your website, set some goals for yourself, identified your target audience, and developed your brand image. You may now put it into action. So, how can you ensure that design decisions are in sync with your strategy? Let me use a common example to demonstrate this.
- Assume your primary goal is to grow the number of subscribers to your Web service. What role may your design play in achieving this goal? I see at least three factors that will make a difference here:
- Make your landing page's "About" section as clear and succinct as feasible. Your website's functionality should be clear to your visitors.
- Make the registration button or the link stand out by using colour and contrast. You won't receive many sign-ups if people can't discover it.
- Remove unneeded and optional items from the registration process; users may fill them out later. People may be discouraged from filling out a form if it appears to be lengthy.
These are just three approaches you may use to help your design achieve the aim of boosting the amount of people who sign up for your service. Your objectives may differ, but the technique remains the same: shape and focus all design aspects on accomplishing those objectives.
To turn your visitors into paying customers, you need a web design company than compels your visitors with impeccable design and UX. Contact us to know more about effective web design and UX.
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