There are various aspects of web design that are often taken for granted. From a website’s overall layout to the content it provides, much like a car, there are several moving parts that make the website in question perform. Though the development process is complex, an experienced Long Island web design agency will be able to take these parts and arrange them so that they work in unison. This is what creates a solid user experience.
When discussing the user experience, it’s important to touch on the basics at the onset. Though these share unique functions, they achieve similar goals. They are used to draw the attention of the user, motivate them to stay on the site for an extended period of time, and perform certain actions. Such actions include signing up for a newsletter or filling out a contact form. Here are the basics of UX that will be covered on the web design front.
Design – One of the most important UX elements of a website is design. This includes such components as colors, logos, and the overall layout. It’s important to understand which aesthetic values work well together to provide a website that’s easy on the eyes. Just as importantly, however, these visual elements must reflect the brand. If they fail to complement the brand in question, a sense of inconsistency results. This is a detriment to UX, since it increases the likelihood of users leaving the website before they navigate further. A website has one chance to make a first impression, so it must perform well out of the gate.
Input – Even if a website is appealing to the eye, it won’t produce results unless it’s easy to use. Input is a catch-all term that refers to how users move from page to page and submit information, just to name a few actions. There are numerous examples of input that are prevalent in web design. Case and point, if a user submits a contact form, they may have to check a box to ensure that they adhere to the site’s guidelines. Input also refers to when a user fills in certain text boxes with required information, including first and last names, phone numbers, and email addresses. If the information is deemed incorrect by the site, the user will be alerted of any errors. Input methods on websites have become sophisticated over the years and, by proxy, integral to UX design.
Navigation – If you’re a website owner, ask yourself this question: how easily can I traverse my site? If you’re unable to move from one page to the next, or you believe that certain information is difficult to find, your site’s navigation can benefit from fine-tuning. Navigation bars are commonplace, breaking up internal pages into categories where they best fit. To expand on this, a law firm may have a section for small businesses, which can include anything from selling to purchasing property. Navigation can also come in the form of icons, differentiating sections of a website via small images. These are just a few examples of how a website can promote smooth navigation, resulting in better UX design.
Content – No website is complete without content, which is the main reason users stay on a website. Not only should the content prove invaluable for the user, but it must be easy to find, which is where the aforementioned navigation comes into play. Most websites present their primary content on their homepage, usually in a scrolling format. However, there are instances when internal pages will be required for more in-depth insight. This is especially true for service-based companies that provide different capabilities. Content can also come in different forms, including blog posts, press releases, and infographics. High-quality content is essential to UX, encouraging users to spend more time on-site.
Support – Lastly, a website should feature some degree of customer support. This can come in a number of forms. The most common is an internal page devoted to user feedback. This is where a user can submit their questions or comments; from there, the business the site belongs to can make adjustments as they see fit. Another example of website support is chatbot integration. A chatbot provides 24/7 support, answering general questions with relevant responses. For businesses that are curious about using chatbots, consult your local digital marketing agency. They will be able to take you through the process to implement this in addition to other means of website support.
About fishbat: fishbat is a New York-based online marketing company. Utilizing the latest technologies and forward-thinking strategies, fishbat is able to create marketing plans that are tailor-made for specific needs and goals. The services that fishbat provides include, but aren’t limited to, social media management, search engine optimization, content marketing, email marketing, and branding. With these, businesses will be able to market directly to their audiences, increasing traffic, engagement, and ultimately, revenue.
