Web design is a fascinating field that combines artistry with specific technical skills. While traditional courses can provide a newcomer to the field with a solid foundation, there are some unconventional tips and tricks that can take your web design talents to the next level. In this article, we’ll dive into some off-the-beaten-track advice you’re unlikely to find in mainstream courses.
These pieces of advice could serve as a shortcut, putting you on a par with designers with several years of experience under their belts. So, to extend that belt metaphor, buckle up and get ready to add a splash of unconventional creativity to your web design toolbox!
Embrace the Power of Whitespace
When it comes to web design, whitespace is your best friend. Don’t be afraid of leaving empty spaces on your page. It might sound counter-intuitive, and fighting the urge to “fill in the blanks” is something every web designer struggles with, no matter their level of experience, but trust us. Embracing whitespace allows your content to breathe, making it easier for users to focus on what truly matters. It adds a sense of elegance and sophistication to your design, creating a visually pleasing experience. If you employ whitespace correctly, your readers will spend more time looking at the content you want them to focus on. This is especially important with sales websites.
Surprise them with a Scroll Reveal
Want to add an element of surprise to your website? Consider using scroll reveal animations. Instead of presenting all of your content at once and running the risk of overloading your audience with information, make it appear gradually as users scroll down the page. This technique adds an engaging touch and keeps visitors intrigued as they explore your website. You’re essentially giving them a reason to keep scrolling and stay on your page – and the longer they spend on your page, the more likely they are to take your desired action.
Unleash the Power of Microinteractions
It might be helpful to look up a guide to what microinteractions are if you’ve never encountered them before, but we’ll provide a short summary here. Microinteractions are small, subtle animations or interactive elements that engage users and provide instant feedback. They can be as simple as a button changing colour when hovered over or a subtle animation when a form is submitted. These tiny interactions create an engaging user experience, making your website more memorable and, in basic terms, bringing your content to life.
Colour Outside the Lines
While colour theory is important, don’t be afraid to break the rules once in a while. Experiment with unconventional colour combinations to create a unique visual impact. Sometimes, a splash of unexpected colour can make your design stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression. While experimenting, remember that certain colours won’t go together no matter how much you want them to. As a pro tip, look to fashion magazines and websites to find out which colour combinations are in vogue at the moment.
Play with Typography
Typography is a powerful tool in web design and, indeed, in life. Move beyond the standard fonts and sizes and explore the vast realm of typography. Mix and match different font styles, experiment with letter spacing, and play with hierarchy to create a visually striking and unique design. Remember, readability should remain a priority, but don’t shy away from pushing the boundaries. You can probably picture the fonts that your preferred news or entertainment websites use – they’re part of its voice. Your website needs a voice of its own, and typography is the key to finding it.
Use Easter Eggs to Provide Hidden Gems
Who doesn’t love a good Easter egg? This is a term that began with secret extra content on DVDs, but while DVDs are all-but-obsolete in the modern age, Easter eggs can still be found on plenty of websites. Consider adding hidden surprises or playful elements within your design that users can discover by accident. It could be a hidden message, a quirky animation, or an interactive element tucked away in an unexpected place. Easter eggs add an element of delight as well as surprise and are another aspect that can make the user experience more enjoyable and, more importantly, memorable. People are more likely to come back to websites that make an impression on them.
Hand-Drawn Elements
Digital designs often have a polished and uniform appearance, and they’re only going to become more polished and uniform now that everyone’s started using AI-generated content. That’s why introducing hand-drawn elements can infuse a sense of warmth and authenticity, not to mention individuality. Sketch out illustrations, icons, or even your own custom typography. Hand-drawn elements add a personal touch to your design and create a connection with your audience. It’s a shorthand way of saying, “Our content isn’t mass-produced.”
Optimise for Fun
Web design doesn’t have to be a serious business all the time. Inject some fun and frivolity into your design to create an experience that can’t be replicated elsewhere. Incorporate interactive games, funny animations, or clever puns that surprise and entertain your visitors. Remember, a little laughter can go a long way in making your website stand out. If you want examples of how best to do this, look no further than casino sites. They live or die based on how fun they make themselves appear. Dr Slot is a great example of a casino site that knows how to present a fun feeling from the moment players arrive, but most of the Dr Slot sister sites manage to get it right, too. Don’t be afraid to borrow good ideas when you see them.
Conclusion
Web design is a dynamic and ever-evolving science, and sometimes it’s the unconventional approaches that make a design truly stand out. By embracing whitespace, adding scroll reveal animations, leveraging microinteractions, experimenting with colour and typography, incorporating hidden gems, including hand-drawn elements, and optimising for fun, you can create web designs that are as unique and vibrant as your imagination allows. Be brave enough to think outside the box, break the rules, and let your creativity take your website to the next level.
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