September 16, 2003 | View Comments (0) | Design
37Signals: When you go to the 37Signals site you know what they do because they have it printed in big, red text. When creating websites you need to make sure that you are getting a message across to your users letting them know what it is exactly that you do. This prevents them from having to spend their time searching around your page looking for an idea. The message does not necessarily have to be in 20px size font, but it does need to be noticeable. This is why taglines are so important on websites. They let users know in one line what your site is about.
Negatives: If the wrong message is given initially then you can easily turn your readers away. So it is imperative that you take the time to understand your own goals for the site and what do you wish to accomplish.
Evolvs Media Inc.: Although this site is done in tables that is not what I wish to focus on. Notice that they use a background image, yet it does not distract. It accentuates the design and helps bring the content to the front of the page. Centerering the layout causes ample amount of whitespace to surround the content also helping to draw the eyes where the designers want them to.
Negatives: Use of the wrong background images can cause a distraction for your website and seriously annoy your readers.
Another great example of whitespace can be found at Apple.
These are two fundamental concepts, but are very important to include in all websites. Not all website get the idea that they have to get a message across right away to their users. There are different ways to do this. Google places the search bar in front of you to let you know that is what they do. Whitespace helps the users find the message and the message helps readers know what your site does.
I am up for any suggestions on what people would like me to talk about for Ch. 3 because as experienced (not really me) designers we sometimes forget the basics that are important to our designs.
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