Tuesday, November 20, 2012

The Creation of Digital Surroundings: Web Design

Understanding the intricacies of web design while planning and designing websites requires a sound knowledge about how to interpret a client's expectations and needs and present them to the general public or a targeted clientele in a compelling manner. Fortuitously developing a web site is not an easy task that just any designer can do. It normally requires a working knowledge of the many various aspects that make up web design. Consequently, the execution of constructing websites from the bottom up may actually include a team who has experience in the various areas of design and Internet technologies. Such a team may consist of web designers, copywriters, web programmers, branding experts, SEO, and experts in marketing and branding.

A crucial part is needless to say graphic design. Top quality graphic design involves both design principles relating to page layouts such as contrast, balance, and space, and design elements such as illustrations, images, photographs, fonts, and color. In addition, graphic designers must be informed of such Internet design options as Flash animation, shopping cart solutions, and other minor design elements such as link buttons that the IT web developers will eventually need. The imaginative person who is charged with designing the website should ultimately be the one who plans for these other elements rather than rely upon the developer for their placement on the internet site. Information Architecture or website architecture is one area where a designer can develop elements for the assets used in creating the important navigation schemes for a site's software. The site's important links that appear as either icons or buttons in the header or footer of each and every page such as: Customer Support, Contact Us, About Us, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, Feedback, Site Map, Press Room, etc. or search boxes are a part of a website's "Information Architecture." The creator who plans ahead for the subtlest nuances in web site design can have an incredible impact on the quality of the final product. Well considered web design will result in easy to use, friendly experience that is not only pleasing to use but also pleasing to view, and has an emotional connection with the target audience while advertising the branding message. Constructing the front-end aspect of a web page or site is a combination of the visual aspects plus the content development. The "front-end" is what a visitor sees when they check out a website. Most definitely, exceptional looking websites are the result of effective design choices. Clients want a site that is engaging and is easily navigable with understandable, relevant information for their viewers.

In addition, to the visual presentation, you will discover other technical aspects of a website's formation that are key components to the overall design considerations. Having a web design workforce that includes not only the visual graphic artists, copywriters and marketing specialists, but also the IT developers allow for the easy combination of the back-end databases and other technical tools with the visual aspects and content is is the best option. Broad knowledge in programming languages such as HTML, CSS, XHTML, and DHTML is a given for developers, together with an understanding of what makes a compliant site. The relevance of having an SEO (search engine optimization) specialist look over the site as it is being constructed cannot be overlooked. Sophisticated clients have intricate specifications and high expectations. The use of Python, PHP, Java,.NET, Cold Fusion, FLEX, as well as involving social media into a website entails always staying ahead of the curve in Internet technology. Given that effective web site design requires intricate and complex techniques to maintain communication with web visitors, it is important to work with a professional team who can provide world-class results.