Principles of Web Design

Right ok so i've learnt about layouts now and I think I have more of a clear idea now to think bout the basic principles that differntionate between good design and bad

Emphasis
Emphasis is all about the important things that you want to draw attention to. therefore the most important things are the most prominent on the page. the first mast important thing would be the most prominent on the page then the second most prominent would be next and so on.... this can also help usability as the most important things are highlighted and can be found easily. when thinking about what is important on the page it is key to think about what your client wants to achieve and the message they want to send out though there site. therefore they are the most important areas to emphasis. another area where emphasis is used is the area that the client will find most appealing on the site; there they will stay there longer. some sites emphasis the logo as that is another key area. there are few ways in which you can emphasis these include bold, bigger, italics, different colours, drop shadows and borders.

Sense of Balance
hmmm balancing isn’t really one of my strong point anyways and now I have to try in on the web too!!
this sounds pretty simple but is hard to get right. you need to be able to divide a page down the middle both ways and it should be balanced. things such as images, colour, shapes and text. things should not lean to one side. this does Not mean that everything has to be symmetrical.

Arrangement
this is all about the way in which the elements connect with each other on the page, also about how they line up with other so in the end they are all aligned with each other making the page very neat and tidy. the best way to do this is using a grid or ruler on the page in order to make sure it is accurate and lined up perfectly.

Contrast
Contrast is essential within a webpage, without contrast your website would be boring. not only that but it is used to guide the users eye around the page. contrast can be used on areas such as logos, text and navigation these are areas that you would want to set apart from apart from the rest of the page. ways in which to contrast include reverse text, larger text, italics, drop shadows, glows textures, different shapes and borders

Repetition of Elements
Good repetition within a websites helps to maintain a theme. a theme is key as users become familiar and know there way around. the trick is to keep it simple repeat areas such as navigation logo and colours.

Visual Direction
this is all about the way the users eye moves through your website. its all about making the user go through the way that you want. it also helps pick out the most important things. the key is to look at what your eye is drawn to. A U shaped flaw line is easier on the eye.