Add Light To Your Web Design

How does one create a sense of light in web design? When is it most effective? A simple definition of light provided by the Oxford dictionary is "something that makes things visible or affords illumination." Light as a design element in web design, therefore, is intended to add illumination or enhanced visibility to product images in a web site. It also creates the illusion of illumination in the sense of creating a look that feels open and airy.

Can light add a compelling element to your web design? I like to create the illusion of light when I am creating web design for businesses that normally use light as an important element in store design.

For example, jewelry stores make full use of light as both a design element and a backdrop for jewelry displays. Often various forms of lighting, such as natural, spotlight, and track lighting, are used to create a environment that shows jewelry at its best.

Therefore, as a web designer, I try to incorporate proven elements of store design in the web design I create for the same client. Of course, one can only create the illusion of lighting in web design. However, an open, airy feeling can be achieved in web design that suggests the lighting used in a literal store.

In the web design featured above, I sought to create the same feeling one would have coming into a literal jewelry store. An elegant presentation with lots of light to make the jewelry sparkle. The overall effect is simple. There is a spare white background and the use of gradients of color. Also, the page is uncluttered. The overall effect is open, inviting and promises a beautiful display of jewelry.

Think about how web design that uses light effectively can benefit your business. I will be happy to show you some practical and elegant solutions for your online presentation.

Donald Peterson