How do you define “good design?” It is subjective, like your favorite flavor of ice cream? Although there is some subjectivity in a good design, artistic principles is that good design is built from. Here are some that form the basis of good design.

1. Proximity – Because the items that are very close to each other form a visual unity, elements that are interconnected must be grouped. Disposition of the items listed in a website like this helps the eye associated information and allows the viewer to mentally categorize the information easily. The other side of this principle is that articles that are not related should not be placed near each other.

The purpose of the proximity principle is to organize information in a way that allows viewers to understand quickly and easily. When information is organized, people are more likely to read and respond. People are also more likely to remember information that is organized.

How can you determine if the elements form a visual unity? Squint and look at the page on a website. Now, count the number of times your eye stops, because the page views. On a page that is using the proximity principle and the eye stops three to five times. In other words, there will be three to five pieces of information to the eyes to understand separately.

2. Alignment – Have you seen website designs are the page where the text and graphics wherever that happens to be space. The effect is messy, with no impact. Nothing should be placed on a page arbitrarily. There must be a visual connection between each element and the theme something different on the page. When the elements are aligned, creates a cohesion that the eye appreciates.

The purpose of alignment is the unification of the website. Imagine a well-organized kitchen. All pots and pans are stored in the organizer, the fruit is well represented in a basket on the counter, the spices are on the shelf, everything is in place. A page layout needs the same thing.

Watch

a website that you feel is good design. Now focus on the main visual element. Where does your eye from there? See how the other elements are aligned with the main item both vertically and horizontally?

3. Repetition – Good design is repeated some aspect of website design throughout the site. It is this repetition that makes all the pages of a site and go out of hand. Combination of colors, graphics, fonts, all these elements must be repeated constantly used throughout.

The purpose of the repetition is to create consistency and to add visual interest. Repetition creates a professional looking, polished the eye is attracted. When a website design uses repetition and consistent, is more likely to be seen and read.

Here are some repetition can be created beyond simple consistency in fonts and colors: Use an element in their logo as an important element in graphic design. If you are using a dashed line, the line more visually interesting so perhaps with small dots or dashes, then repeat the line item through the design. Create patterns that repeat throughout the design. Take a small piece and place it somewhere on every page for a whimsical look. Just be careful not to overdo it on repeat, or bother the spectators more than satisfied.

4. Contrast – The principle of difference that if two objects are not the same, they must be different, very different. Contrast creates a hierarchy of the organization of information and graphics on a web page. When using the other hand, can not be a coward! The contrast must be strong to be effective.

The purpose of change is twofold: to create interest in the site, and organize information. A page that is interesting to see is more likely to be read. And contrasting elements to help readers understand how information is organized.

Contrast

can be created in many ways. You can compare the big guy, small print, a serif font with a sans-serif, bold, light, smooth texture with a rough texture, a small graphic with a large, dark-colored light of a .

A design that integrates these principles automatically going to get a professionalism and polish that would not otherwise have. The next time you encounter a website design that makes you say “wow”, my cheeks to these principles, you find that work quietly for the design of a good

About the author:

Laura MacPherson (laura@northstarcreative.net) is the creative director of Northstar Creative, a web design studio located in Greenville, SC. She has a background in writing and psychology, as well as experience in web and graphic design.

His passion is the design professional. At Northstar creative, she is happiest when working with and collaborate on design projects. If your print or web, it is always a challenge to be able to perceive the essence of a customer’s business and develop a website or a piece of mirror to print. This work makes it fuels their creativity and rewarding work in Northstar.

Out of Office, Laura loves the arts, from painting to the acoustic guitar. She is a big fan of Northern California, especially the coast and Yosemite. When not enough to be in California, often can be found on the trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Your

company, Northstar Creative | Web Design, approaches to developing websites for many different web businesses. Northstar combines creative use of the psychology of marketing to web development class to create custom sites for clients truly exceptional.

Publishing Guidelines

Permission is granted to publish this article electronically in free-only publications, like a website or ezine (print requires individual permission) as long as the resource box is included without any modifications. All links must be active. A courtesy copy is requested on publication (email laura@northstarcreative.net)

To view this article in its original context, or to access more resources from the Northstar Center Web Creative Web resources, click on the link of the article here design great websites [http://www.northstarcreative.net/articles/good-web- design.html]