by Reed Dunn, Creative Director, Bizzuka.com
So you've mastered print design, but the idea of designing a Web site for all the world to see, well, it scares the you-know-what out of you. Don't be intimidated. You're a master designer, right? Many of the things you know about print design carry over to the Web. Just be careful of a few pitfalls, and all will be good. Plus, just like everything else, know you'll get better in time.
Keep it simple: As is the case with any graphic design -- print, Web, whatever -- less really is more. Don't be afraid to minimize your homepage elements to ensure there's plenty of white space and room for the design to flow.
Minimize graphics: When it comes to Flash or other large file-size moving pieces and parts, make sure you're thinking about load time. Think about this: Just because you can doesn't mean you should. Sure, big Flash movies look nice, but is that really the best use of the space?
Don't forget the cool tools: Didn't I just say “less is more.” Yes, yes I did. But don't forget those cool tools – gradient overlays, bevel and emboss, glossy buttons – especially when creating things such as rollover effects. Unlike print design, you can create a little more added interest by creating some “mouseable” interactivity.
Go wide: When it comes to site design, think about how the design will look on all monitors. Not everyone has a super-wide monitor at their home computer, but go as wide as you can. (Personally, I start all design files at 1024 pixels wide, leaving about 30 pixels or more on all sides to create the background.)
Make navigation easy to navigate: When it comes to primary navigation, think about what makes sense for the user. Don't use cutesy names for navigation buttons if it's going to confuse the people visiting the site. Just call things what they are – and add a “Home” button to every site you design. This is the best way to get visitors back with one simple click. You'll also probably always want to include “About Us” (letting people know the who we are, what we do for the client) and “Contact Us” (When was the last time you used a phone book to search for contact information?) buttons.
BONUS TIP: Keep the logo where people expect it – in the upper, left-hand corner. Amateur Web designers and professionals alike need to follow this rule. It's the first place every visitor looks, so it's a great way to brand the company or entity for which the Web site represents.
Reed Dunn is a print-turned-Web designer working as creative director for Bizzuka. After more than a decade of designing for print media, he began designing Web sites. He found the transition from print to Web design a lot less intimidating after her learned many of the rules are the same.
