The question “What is website design” is an important question for businesses that want to stand out online. 75% of consumers judge a company’s credibility based on its website design.
But more than just aesthetics, website design covers everything from layout and responsiveness to user experience. Each element of the design works together to create a welcoming space for users. This article explores the essentials of website design, what designers do, and why it matters for business success.
Definition of Website Design
What is Website Design?
Website design refers to the process of planning, conceptualising, and arranging content on a website.
But it’s more than just how the site looks – website design includes all the elements that help to make a site user-friendly, functional, and visually appealing. It includes everything from the layout and colour scheme to navigation, fonts, and images.
Good website design focuses on both aesthetics and functionality. A well-designed website looks professional and is also easy for visitors to use. A poorly designed website can chase potential customers away.
Website design is just as important (if not even more) as having a professional looking storefront!
Elements of Website Design
There are several key elements that work together to create effective website designs:
- Layout: The arrangement of elements like images, text, and buttons on a webpage.
- Graphics: Visual components, like logos, icons, and other images.
- Fonts and Colours: Typography and colour schemes that match your brand and make the site easy to read.
- Navigation: The structure of menus and links that help users move around the site.
- Usability: How easy and intuitive it is for users to interact with the website.
Website Design vs. Web Development
Website design focuses on the visual aspects and user experience. Web development is the process of building the technical aspects of a website. Designers often collaborate with developers to make sure that the site works as intended.
Even though they are two different disciplines, the two are often used interchangeably. You may also come across full-stack developers that deal with both the design and development elements.
Importance of Website Design
First Impressions Matter
When someone visits your website, the design is the first thing they notice. Studies show that users form an opinion about your website within just a few seconds. Investing an a well-designed website can build trust with visitors and make them more likely to stay and explore your site.
On the other hand, a website with a poor design can make users question the credibility of your business. Whether it’s hard-to-read fonts, slow loading times, or poor navigation, these issues can send potential customers running to your competitors.
Put yourself in a customer’s shoes – how would you react to a potential business and product if the website took 15 seconds to load?
A poorly designed website is also likely to perform poorly in Google’s search results (i.e. in SEO). Slow websites that have bad user engagement will likely not rank well on Google. This means you could be losing potential customers based on your website’s design.
User Experience (UX) and Accessibility
Website design isn’t just about making your site look good; it’s also about creating a great user experience. A website should be easy to navigate, with clear calls to action and intuitive menus.
Additionally, good website design makes sure that your site is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. This can include things like using alternative text for images and ensuring that your site works with screen readers.
Another aspect to focus on is using colours that pass contrast checks.
Mobile-Friendly and Responsive Design
More and more people access websites using their phones. A website that’s not optimised for mobile devices can frustrate users and hurt your search engine rankings.
Responsive design ensures that your website automatically adjusts to fit any screen size, whether it’s a desktop, tablet, or smartphone.
If you use a good design platform, you will you able to see how the site looks on different devices, and even set breakpoints to determine how the layout changes depending on the device’s width.
SEO and Conversion Rates
Good website design can also improve your site’s search engine optimisation (SEO) by making it faster, more accessible, and easier for search engines to crawl.
Additionally, a well-designed website can help increase conversion rates, turning casual visitors into customers.
By making sure your website is easy to navigate, has clear calls to action, and loads quickly, you can boost your chances of converting visitors into paying customers.
History of Website Design
The Early Days of Web Design (1990s website design)
In the early days of the internet, websites were very basic and often just a collection of text and links. There weren’t many design elements, and the idea of “design” was limited to simple layouts using basic HTML. Sites were slow to load and had limited functionality.
The Growth of Interactive and Multimedia Design (2000s website design)
As technology advanced, websites became more interactive and visually engaging. This era saw the rise of Flash-based websites, which introduced animations, multimedia, and interactive elements. Designers started focusing more on making websites dynamic and user-friendly.
Modern Web Design (2010s – Present)
Today, website design has evolved into a more user-centric approach. Mobile responsiveness, clean designs, and faster loading times have become increasingly important.
Modern design focuses on minimalism, user experience (UX), and performance optimisation. The goal is to create websites that are not only beautiful but functional, fast, and easy to use.
What is a Website Designer?
Role of a Website Designer
A website designer is a professional responsible for creating the visual look and feel of a website. They combine creativity with technical skills to build a site that is both visually appealing and easy to use.
A good website designer considers everything from colour schemes to the overall layout to ensure the site delivers a seamless user experience.
Skills and Expertise Required
Website designers need a variety of skills, including:
- Proficiency in design tools like Adobe XD, Figma, or Sketch.
- A good understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) principles.
- Knowledge of branding, responsive design, and web accessibility.
- Basic understanding of HTML and CSS, although they may not always code the site themselves.
Specialisations in Web Design
Not all website designers do the same thing. Some specialise in:
- UI Designers: Focus on the user interface and the interactive elements of a site.
- UX Designers: Specialise in ensuring a positive user experience through research and testing.
- Full-Stack Designers: Handle both visual design and basic front-end coding.
What Does a Website Designer Do?
Research and Planning
Before starting the design process, a website designer will gather information about the target audience, the goals of the website, and the brand. This research helps ensure the website design meets the needs of users and aligns with the company’s objectives.
Wireframing and Prototyping
Website designers create wireframes, which are basic layouts showing the structure of a website without any design elements. These wireframes help visualise how content and elements will be organised on the site.
Once the wireframe is approved, designers build prototypes to test how the website will work in a real-world setting.
Graphic Design and Branding
A website designer is responsible for creating the visual identity of the site, including logos, images, and custom graphics. They ensure the website’s design aligns with the overall branding and personality of the business.
Information Architecture
Good website design involves organising content in a way that makes sense to users. A website designer will plan the structure of the site to ensure that it’s easy to navigate and that users can find what they need quickly.
Responsive and Mobile Design
Today, mobile-friendly websites are very important. Website designers make sure that the site looks great on all devices, from desktops to smartphones. They use responsive design techniques to make sure the site adapts to different screen sizes.
User Experience (UX) and Interaction Design
A website designer’s job isn’t just about making the site look good—they also need to focus on how the user interacts with the site. This includes ensuring easy navigation, clear calls to action, and fast loading times.
Collaboration with Developers
Once the design is finalised, website designers work with web developers to bring the design to life. They ensure that the final product matches the vision, while developers handle the coding and technical aspects.
Maintenance and Updates
Website designers often maintain the site post-launch, making updates as needed to ensure it stays fresh, functional, and aligned with business goals.
In Conclusion: What is Website Design?
Understanding what website design is and why it’s essential for businesses can’t be overstated. A well-designed website is more than just a digital brochure – it’s a tool for engagement, credibility, and growth.
From wireframing and graphic design to user experience (UX) and responsive design, each element plays a crucial role in making sure that your website provides a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors.
Website design goes beyond aesthetics. It includes everything from how content is organised to how quickly a site loads and how it adapts to different devices. A professionally designed website can help businesses build trust, improve conversion rates, and enhance user satisfaction.
Whether you’re looking to refresh your site or build a new one, understanding these principles can help you create a site that resonates with your audience and supports your business goals.
If you’re ready to start your website design journey, reach out to Simple Solutions for expert guidance in creating a user-friendly, visually appealing, and responsive website.
FAQs About What Website Design Is
What is the difference between web design and web development?
Web design refers to the visual and functional aspects of a website, including layout, colours, and user interface.
Web development, on the other hand, involves building and maintaining the technical side of the website, such as writing the code that makes it run.
Do I need a professional web designer for my business?
While there are tools that allow you to create your own website, hiring a professional web designer can help ensure your site looks professional, functions properly, and meets your business goals.
Why is website design important for my business?
Website design plays a crucial role in building trust with your audience, improving user experience, and boosting your search engine rankings. A well-designed website can help you stand out in a competitive market and increase conversion rates.
Simple Solutions – Website Design in Johannesburg
At Simple Solutions, we specialise in website design for small businesses in Johannesburg and beyond. Whether you need a fresh design for your business or want to update your existing site, our team can help you create a beautiful, functional website that attracts customers and helps your business grow.