Graphic Design
For those interested in graphic design it is important to keep in mind some of the basic design rules that apply to all levels of design. These basic rules for website design help us avoid some common mistakes that we all tend to make as we move forward with our design careers.
Avoid unnecessary complexity. Keeping it simple is one of the most important aspects to keep in mind when doing any type of graphic design work. When doing web design, the design should be easy to navigate, it should load quickly, and it should be clear-cut. It is easy to become enamored with the latest, coolest, graphic options but too much may be confusing to your visitors. Don't crowd the page with unnecessary graphics and flash animation. Keep a sense of balance to the page. Unless the site is particularly specialized, the focus should be on the content.
Avoid using a graphic just because you like it. Unless it applies to the site, don’t use it. With the availability of Flash graphics, many designers are adding these elements to their pages. They do look nice but, again, unless they add some value and relate to the site content, use them sparingly if at all.
Although most browsers today are compatible with Flash elements, there are still some that aren't. In addition, there are users who still use a dial-up connection. Flash elements can take a very long time to load and many users will simply click away from the site if it doesn't load quickly. By using large graphics and Flash elements in your design, you may be restricting the site to certain types of users.
Know whom you are targeting. It is important for those involved in graphic design to work with the client in order to understand who they are trying to reach with the website. It is important to know your audience and design the site for them. This will engage your visitor and ensure the site reaches your target audience. Many experienced graphic designers find themselves becoming tired of designing basic websites and begin designing more for themselves or their peers than the sites anticipated visitors. Always keep the client in mind and determine what the target audience will be expecting when they visit the site.
Keep your pages consistent. Keep the design and layout consistent from page to page throughout the site. Use a standard font with larger type. While you may have a huge variety of fonts to choose from, it is important to stick with the standards. Times, Arial, Verdana, etc. are available on almost every users system and by using these standards site visitors will see what you intended them to see.
These are just a couple of things to keep in mind as you begin your graphic design. Keep things simple, know your audience, and maintain consistency. Finally, don't forget to test the site for every conceivable problem it could potentially pose for a visitor.