How web design can slow down load time
Customers hardly have the patience to wait for a page to load since it is easy to click on another page. Loading time should be taken into account in website design because it seems that Google is now considering loading time in determining rankings. Before looking at solutions, your first option must be to check your server since the hosting provider might not be providing the right bandwidth. If your web design contains lots of large images and other visual elements like flash animation, it can slow down your loading time. Images can help gain attention from users but it should be used accordingly so as not to slow down loading time. You might also like to consider decreasing the size of your files so that your users will enjoy a faster service.
The importance of accessibility for website design
Accessibility is different from navigation although both can enhance user experience. Website design in order to be accessible must embrace both new and old technology and information must be available whether it is accessed from any platform. Devices such as mobile phones and tablets are increasingly being used in accessing the web. If SEO is one of your major goals in web design, it is only logical to create a mobile-friendly website. Responsive web design is suggested by Google so that a website can provide a great user experience across different screen sizes and devices and to manage SEO more efficiently. Website design should also be compatible with most browsers so as not to lose an opportunity to gain a lead or a conversion.
How to create a good first impression with web design
A first time user does not know anything about your site. Design may not be the most important factor in website design but it can certainly gain attention. A website user will form an impression within just a second and the web designer should generate a positive judgment within the first millisecond. Be consistent with design because it conveys professionalism. It reveals that there are standards and plans in place. Photographs also convey a more professional look. Animated clipart that used to be very popular a few years ago can be distracting.
In order to understand what your users want, ask them through surveys and interviews. Make use of usability testing and users will tell you want they expect from your site. It will be up to you and your website designer to put it into action.