February 2021
When it comes time to create a website for your business, you may have a hard time knowing where to begin. The best place to start is to acquire a basic understanding of website design and its moving parts. After learning what these components do and how they are key to website design, we can put all these pieces together to build a cohesive site.
What It Takes to Build a User-Friendly Website
The two main components of website design are User Experience Design (UX) and User Interface Design (UI). It’s important to have at least a basic understanding of these components and how they work. These aspects used together complement each other but are completely different pieces of product development and design. Website development with the best user experience in mind is key to a successful online business.
What is the difference between User Experience Design (UX) and User Interface Design (UI)?
UX is specifically about the website user’s feelings or behaviors when they are visiting a website or application. UI is all the technical parts of the website or application. This part of the web design includes choosing buttons and displays on the website.
These two components of web design often overlap. Understanding UX and UI, and having them implemented correctly on your website, can be a daunting task. Many small startups may not have the capital to hire web designers. At first, you may have to get your site live on your own and bring in an expert later to help you tweak it. To get you started, here are some important elements of UX and UI web design.
Major UX Components
The following list includes some of the aspects you should consider for good user experience:
- Design: First, you need a web design that is visually appealing to users. The first impression your new users notice will be the visual design of the site. You will need to have a visual design that prevents users from “bouncing,” or leaving your site after a few seconds.
- User Research: Do some research on your intended users to find out their preferences and behaviors. When you have identified your target audience, use the information you have gathered to determine your website design. This research can help you develop a prototype so you can understand what the experience will be like for the user.
- Usability: Build your website so that it’s easy for visitors to use and navigate. This includes easy-to-read text that can be understood by most visitors, as well as answers to the questions you predict the user may have. Usability includes aspects like memorability, (how easy it is for the user to regain the same proficiency using the website after a period of not using it) and satisfaction, (how enjoyable the experience was for the website visitor).
- Credibility: The information published on your website must be accurate. This establishes belief and trust in your audience. If users find information on your website that is not up to date or accurate the first visit, chances are they will not return.
Major UI Components
Here are some things you should think about when building your website’s user interface:
- Graphic design: The design of your website needs to be full of the most important information. But, you need to make sure that the page is not so cluttered that it becomes confusing or overwhelming to the visitor. You want your website to have a responsive web design, which means it’s easy to use and understand, and that it keeps visitors coming back.
- Icons and Buttons: These components add to the user experience by giving users a call to action and a way to connect with your brand. Make it clear where you’d like them to click. If you make it easy for users to share your content on social media, they most likely will.
- Font and Color Scheme: Many colors evoke emotions from people on a subconscious level. Take time and choose a font and color scheme that is visually appealing to users and aligns with your brand identity.
- Modal: This is a small box that appears, or pop-up when a web page is opened. The user then has to interact with this modal in order to continue with the site. This is the best way to get new users to subscribe to your email list or newsletters.
- Search Field: This well-known component is essential for your website. If users cannot immediately find the content they are looking for on the site, give them access to that little magnifying glass to help them search for it.
Plan a User-Friendly Site with Inner Works Pro
Designing a user-friendly website can be challenging. Finding the right combination of UX and UI components can be a daunting task for the new business owner. Inner Works Pro can help you with this task and every other step in starting your new business. Contact us today to begin this journey.