My site is working fine. The links work. Content is added regularly. We have new features. Why does my company need a re-design?
UI Design for Web Application Usability: Clutter and Clarity
Crafting a well-designed user interface for a web application is never a trivial task. It’s the one thin layer that lies between the human user and the not-so-human computer. That’s a large communication gap to bridge especially when you are trying to communicate complex system functionality across a broad user base of varying experience. A hallmark of any good UI is its ability to be used effectively by both novice and expert users alike. It is striking a balance between these two oftentimes-conflicting user bases that poses the greatest difficulty.
For novice users, clarity is of utmost importance; for expert users, efficiency. Icons and shortcut keys afford efficiencies for expert users while a fully expounded UI affords clarity for novice users. Unfortunately, here within lies the problem. The UI elements that afford efficiencies for expert users cause confusion amongst novice users. The details required of a fully expounded UI that facilitate understanding amongst novice users clutter the system for expert users. It boils down to this, clarity comes at a price – that price is clutter. By understanding the user population of the application and using an “upgrades gracefully” design, you can design a UI that strikes a balance to best achieve overall system efficacy amongst all users as a whole.
Jamie Kiley Answers Site Design Questions
Have a web design question? Need some advice on how to make your site’s design more effective? Jamie covers questions on how to design a professional website that will motivate your visitors to take action.
Insider Design Tips for Ebook Cover Graphics That Sell
Ebook cover graphics. They are an essential marketing and selling tool for your ebooks. As I’m sure you’ve been told before, they must be unique. They must give an accurate representation of your ebook. They must also make use of the right colors and images in order to be effective. Sounds like a daunting task, doesn’t it? Lay your fears to rest, we’re going to give you some insider design tips on how to create ebook covers that sell, regardless of whether you do-it-yourself or hire a professional.
Clarify Your Message Using Clean Design Elements
Increasingly, business people rely on desktop publishing. Gone are the days when a male manager would dictate words to a female typist and expect her to turn them into an eye- pleasing document. Also, once complicated documents like brochures and flyers are now easy to create in programs such as Microsoft Publisher, and even MS Word.
Personalization and Information Design
Personalization. It’s everywhere. It’s the big thing. Everyone wants to implement it–and you can’t blame business stakeholders for this viewpoint. Personalization can be a powerful ally in gaining competitive advantage.
Web Design Troubleshooting Guide
Getting your web site to look right can sometimes be a hair-pulling experience. Even for professional web designers! I can only imagine how frustrated many newbies can get.
Let me share with you some of the common problems in designing a well-functioning web site. If you haven’t made these mistakes yet – trust me: you will! Keep this troubleshooting guide handy for when you need it.
Introduction to Document Design: Visual Organization
Good document design helps readers find and understand information more quickly. It can help organizations and company save time and money. Therefore, before you begin writing, and again before writing your final draft, consider these tips for making your document’s design aid in the clarity of your communication.
Design Web Site Around Affiliate Programs
When starting a Web business, most people choose a topic for their Web site and then look for products and affiliate programs related to that topic. In this article, I suggest searching for a group of related affiliate programs first, then designing your Web site around those programs.
What Makes A Great Web Design
When I was a young and inexperienced web designer, I was once asked what made a great web design. I blithely responded with something like “lots of cool graphics and moving objects!” I cringe when I remember this particularly dreadful moment in my life. My real concern, however, is with aspiring web designers today. I am an avid participant in online discussion forums and hear and deal with this issue plenty.