Good Communication In Web Design

Web design, despite all of its artistic pretensions, is, above all, a form of communication. It delivers or supports a message that your business wants to express. That message must be clearly understood, and, is intended to generate a response. I have found that having a firm grasp of communication skills as they apply to public speaking can make for MORE EFFECTIVE WEB DESIGN. In this article, I discuss one of the essential qualities of effective public speaking, and its practical appplication to web design.

This Photo: SENIOR WEB DESIGN Content Page by Newark1.com

Communication Principle #1: Speak Clearly

In order to communicate effectively, you must speak clearly.. What you say may be important, even interesting, but much of it will be lost if you cannot be understood.

As web designers, we must clearly communicate our clients message. Therefore, each element on the page, must contribute to the clarity of the business message.

For example, is the text legible? Does the color of the text make it distinct, easy to read, or must one struggle to read it because it is faint, has poor contrast, or is too small? That can be compared to someone who speaks only in a whisper--it forces the listener to strain to hear the message. Make sure that your web design incorporates legible text.

Does the text have sufficient white space? There should be a pleasing ratio of space around blocks of text, and, between lines of text. Find any website where the text is a pleasure to read, and you will usually see a pleasing amount of white space (space around blocks of text) and leading (the space between lines of text). Being stingy in this regards will cause text to crowd together--like trying to decipher the conversation of someone who speaks too rapidly. Good use of white space contibutes to a clearly understood message.

Let's now consider the graphics you've chosen to adorn your page. Can the viewer understand why you've chosen a particular photo or illustration? Is its purpose clearly understood? Like slurred or indistinct speech, a poorly chosen graphic does not convey a clear message. It is better not to use an image, than to have one that does not convey the proper message.

Finally, consider your color choices. Do they clearly convey your message? Think about the spirit of your client's message. Is it a warm appeal, or an exciting pitch? Do the colors clearly convey the spirit of your message?. Color conveys a message. Make sure that it is clearly in harmony with the overall message of your presentation.

In closing, good web design is really good communication. Make sure all elements used in your web design speak clearly. Clear and understandable web design is good for business!

DONALD PETERSON