subject: New Trends & Approaches To Website Design And Development [print this page] In the past In the past
Website Design Development focused on including as much information and as much navigational options as possible for the website user.
Now excessive amount of information and options are regarded can be problematic as time and attention is often limited and can create anxiety for the user often resulting in them leaving the website and searching for more accessible information elsewhere.
Current developments aim to 'eliminate the unnecessary' and provide the web user with clean, simple and interactive access where the focus is on what is important.
User Interface Criteria for Website Design
Simplify the website design
Make the website as easy to use as possible
Make the website visually attractive
Only focus on what is important to the web user when designing the website
Website Navigation Design
Be efficient and as simple as possible
Be distinct, obvious and consistent
Focus on the essentials
No overloading the user with options
Minimizing the amount of time required for a user to locate information on the website
Website Content & Information Access
Provide information of value to the website user
Minimize the amount of time required for a user to perform any specific task on the website
Make a strong brand statement in the website design
Incorporate a strong call to action such as a phone number, request for callback or an option for online fulfillment i.e. aim to ensure the web users visit to the website has a tangible result
Monitor Results
The
Website Design and Development should have criteria by which the effectiveness of the website is measured on an ongoing basis. Monitor user progress and establish when a website user has been enabled and has followed through on a call to action, downloaded information or made an online application on the website.
Look for Feedback
Interact with the customer and request feedback from users using online surveys and polls to establish how their requirement and expectations have or have not been met while visiting the website. This information can be used to hone the website design and to drive customer focused developments and strategies for the website on an ongoing basis.
