8 Fundamental Principles of Effective Web Design
Tags: webdesign, webdev, ux, design
Published: 2021-08-24 07:51:35

Web design is a significant component of the web design process. If you're fascinated by web design, we think you have such a creative streak.

And how could you not be thrilled about getting in and building your website? Web design is about producing a useful piece of beauty – so where do you start? Whether you're wondering what you'd like to know before you start, this guide will assist you out.

You may also be interested to explore [10 Top UI/UX Design Trends For 2021](https://dev.to/imiahazel/10-top-ui-ux-design-trends-for-2021-dl9).

## 1. Accessibility

![Accessibility](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/errq4w4iy30yn4zr7zx6.jpg)

The Web is essentially built to operate for all users, whether their technology, software, language, location, or aptitude. When the Web fulfils this aim, it is accessible to persons with a broad range of hearing, mobility, sight, and cognitive capacity.
 
Thus, the impact of handicap is drastically modified on the Web because the Web removes obstacles to communication and connection that many individuals encounter in the physical world. However, when websites, programs, technologies, or services are improperly built, they can create obstacles that prevent individuals from accessing the Web.
 
Accessibility is crucial for developers and organizations who want to produce high-quality websites and online tools without preventing individuals from accessing their goods and services. These [css tabs](https://github.com/htmlcssfreebies/macaw-tabs) are good example of the accessibility implementation.
 
Web accessibility implies that websites, tools, or technology are created and developed so that persons with impairments can use them. More specifically, humans can:

* perceive, interpret, navigate, and engage with the Web 
* contribute to the Web

## 2. Visual Hierarchy

![Visual Hierarchy](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/6y2l5j4u2nn46sxq2or5.jpg)
 
Visual hierarchy refers to the arranging of components in ascending or descending order of importance. This is accomplished using proportion, color, images, contrast, typography, whitespace, texture, and style.

A critical purpose of [visual hierarchy](https://xd.adobe.com/ideas/process/information-architecture/visual-hierarchy-principles-examples/) is to provide a focal point; this indicates to visitors where the most critical information is located.

## 3. Web Safe Fonts

![Web Safe Fonts](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/o6f7yoxiguz8e47j3dth.jpg)
 
[Fonts that are web-safe](https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/web-safe-fonts/) are those that adapt to every browser on any device. By utilizing these fonts, web developers ensure that the intended font is always shown correctly on a web page, even though the user's computer does not have these fonts installed.
 
Previously, suppose a user did not have the typeface associated with your website installed on their computer. In that case, their browser will show a generic font, such as Times New Roman, as a fallback.
 
As just a result, marketers were unaware of how their web pages were shown to the end-user. If the content of a page does not completely adjust to a new typeface, the user may encounter functional and design difficulties.
 
Online-safe fonts address this issue and have become a de facto standard in web design. By using a web-safe font, you can be certain that your text will always display correctly. The nicest thing is that you are not limited to serif fonts. Consider the many sorts.

## 4. Typography

![Typography](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/psufo9aylfw4wbjff64k.jpg)
 
Even though text takes up most of a website's area and reading is one of the primary activities people engage in online, typography is sometimes underestimated for its influence on a website's overall performance.
 
If your website masters the fundamentals of [typography](https://www.toptal.com/designers/typography/web-typography-infographic), it will be miles ahead of the competition. To begin, sans serif fonts—modern-looking sans serif fonts devoid of ornamental finishes—such as Arial, Helvetica, and Verdana—are the simplest to read online.
 
16px is the optimal font size. Additionally, a maximum of three-point sizes is advised for a streamlined design. Similarly, it's ideal for sticking to a maximum of three fonts for headers, body text, and components such as buttons.
 
[Alexander Sakhnenko](https://shpro.info/) website is an outstanding example of a clean and simplified font design. The site uses a limited number of font types and colors, keeping the user's attention focused on the content.

## 5. Colors

![Colors](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/xzw3mxu17ygb7lq4ppgt.jpg)
 
Colors can convey messages and elicit emotional reactions. Choosing a color palette appropriate for your brand enables you to impact your customers' behavior toward it. Among [web design trends](https://designorbital.com/design/web-design-trends-2021/) in 2021, choice of comfortable colors has very significance.

Limit the color palette to no more than five hues. Complementary colors are effective. Color choices that are pleasing to the eye boost consumer engagement & make the user feel happy.

## 6. Grid Layouts

![Grid Layouts](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/vwfz7t6172yibg60bslv.jpg)
 
[Grids](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/CSS/CSS_Grid_Layout) assist in structuring your design and organizing your information. The grid assists in aligning objects on the page and maintaining its cleanliness. This comprehensive list of [css frameworks](https://devbeep.com/css-frameworks/) will be valuable addition in your design library.

The grid-based style organizes material into a simple rigid grid structure with columns and sections that align, seem balanced, and enforce order, resulting in an aesthetically attractive website.

## 7. F Pattern Design

![F Pattern Design](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/erj1q3jev5lh7qclubwe.jpg)
 
The F-based pattern is indeed the most often used pattern by visitors while scanning content on a website. According to eye-tracking research, most of what individuals view is in the top and left-hand corners of the screen.

[The F' shaped arrangement](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-f-z-pattern-ux-design-work-ronak-shah/) reflects the Western world's natural reading pattern (left to right and top to bottom). A well-designed website will follow the reader's natural rhythm of page skimming.

## 8. Responsive

![Responsive](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ehsythxj8lsd92jqt3bp.jpg)
 
You've probably heard of [responsive design](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Learn/CSS/CSS_layout/Responsive_Design), as the concept has been around for some time. Responsive web design (RWD) is a web design method that strives to give the greatest viewing experience possible for site visitors across a wide variety of devices.

A proportional grid, flexible-sized images, or media queries through CSS are used when creating responsive websites.
 
In today's environment, you should typically aim to design a responsive website. The number of mobile users accessing websites on their devices will continue to grow, therefore ensure that your website is built on a platform that provides the best experience possible for each user on any screen size.

Otherwise, you risk leaving a negative impression on visitors who cannot access your material on their phones, to the point where they may never return for a subsequent visit!

## Conclusion
 
Before beginning any design work, it is critical to understand the website's primary purpose, aim, and intended audience. By following the design mentioned above guidelines, you're already one step ahead of thousands of other websites.

## Images Credit

Thanks to [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/) for the internet’s source of freely-usable images, that are powered by creators everywhere.

Love to hear from you :)