What makes good web design?

ByEmmeline Stephenson

Digital Media Collaborative Practice

What this presentation shall cover

• Basic principles of ‘good design’ on web• Key Factors in ‘good design’• Example 1: Vimeo• Example 2: Helen McClean• Example 3: District 9 – Official website• Example 4: Polyvore• Example 5: Spotify

Basic Principles of Good Web Design

1. Balance and Proximity: • Symmetrical web elements = conservative,

organised, business. • Asymmetrical web elements = fun,

interesting.• Related elements should be close together to

create visual link for audiences

Basic Principles of Good Web Design

2. Contrast and Focus:• Web pages need a focal point for users to be

drawn to• To generate interest use different web

elements (text, images, video)• Colours can be used to draw contrast (eg.

Black background on white text)

Basic Principles of Good Web Design

3. Unity and Visual Identity:• Creating and maintaining visual identity is

important aspect of branding• Persistent use of logo featured prominently

in each web page corner is memorable• Repetitive use of colours similar to logo

allows audiences to associate colour scheme with brand

Key factors in ‘good design’• Does the design cater to the target audience?• How does it compare to other designs used

by this audience?• Is the design relevant to the product/service?• Is the content relevant to the

product/service?• Is the design simple and easy to use?• Is it accessible to it’s target audience?

•Web hosting website•Based in New York•Founded in 2004 by Zach Klein and Jake Lodwick•Created by film makers and video creators•First video-sharing site to offer HD quality to users

Target Audience:Filmmakers and video creatorsSimilar Websites:Youtube, Crackle, Clipshack, Blip.tvContent:User created videos, Blogs, Channels, Advertisements.

Features: Recommended videos, Communities, Video School, Custom privacy controls, HD quality.

•Art and Photography portfolio website•Created as a promotional platform for Helen McLean’s photography and illustrations•Based in Melbourne, Australia•Promotes the niche genre of burlesque

Helen McLean

Helen McLeanTarget Audience:Pin Up/Burlesque/Retro models, fans of vintage, burlesque, pin up girls and vintage , Vintage/Retro clothing boutiques

Similar Websites:Inner Beauty Photography, Photo Bombshell, Dita.net

Content:Personal and Client work portfolios, Publicity, Client Recommendations, Contact.

Features:Recent News, Videos, Photography Packages, Shop.

•Created in 2008 as official website for 2009 film•Used in conjunction with other viral websites to promote the film•Originally designed to encourage people to watch the film at the cinema •Used to promote products such as the DVD and blu-ray.

Target Audience:Science-fiction/film fans aged 15+

Similar Websites:Avatar, Pan’s Labyrinth

Content:Trailers, Flash Animation, Links to Associated sites

Features:User interactive links and content, Additional video content not featured within film.

•Founded in 2007•A community based website that allows users to create fashion mood boards and share these with friends•Used by fashion labels, celebrities and designers as well as ordinary people with interests in fashion

Target Audience:Fashion labels, designers and people interested in fashion magazines and shopping onlineSimilar Websites:Look Book, My DecoContent:User created moodboards, Advertisements/ Promoted Brands and designers, BlogsFeatures:User Interactive created moodboards, Buy items, Publish moodboards, celebrity blogs/moodboards

•Music streaming service•Launched in 2008 by Swedish company Spotify AB•Funded through advertisements to non-paying subscribers, paid subscription and music purchases•Spotify Premium is available on mobiles

Target Audience:People that regularly listen to music and buy music onlineSimilar Designs:iTunesContent:Music tracks by many artists available to download or listen for free, advertisementsFeatures:Link to Facebook, Listen to music free, Buy tracks, Create playlists, Share music tracks and playlists