Design Dos and Don'ts

FrankGrimes

I might be hiring someone to do a bit of design work in the near future and I was just wondering if anyone here knows of any good list of general website/app Dos and Don'ts?

I've seen users like TrickyD give great feedback on designs in some threads but am just wondering if there's a handy place to scan for advice. I know the basics like don't have flashing text, go for sans-serif text etc. but I'd be interested to know what are regarded as good graphic design guidelines as I know what I don't like when I see it but don't have the right language to articulate what I'm looking for up front adequately. So being better clued in on the design terms and generally regarded best practices would help me be a better customer for the designer so it would be a win-win. Thanks.

cormee

Although his website is ugly as hell, Jakob Nielsen's Alertbox http://www.useit.com/alertbox/ has some fantastic pointers. If you're concerned about his authority on such matters (understandable given the design of his site) just Google his name, he's probably the world's top authority on web usability and most of the principles he espouses are directly related to design issues.

His books are great too, especially 'Prioritizing Web Usability'.

billyduk

I'd look at some design inspiration sites and pattern sites such as web creme, pattern tap etc. to get an idea of what you would like (there are also some very good uses of serif and slab serif typography in some of the sites here so I couldn't rule out a nice serif typeface!).

http://www.patterntap.com
http://www.webcreme.com



Generally its important to keep things clean, not too clinical, but clean. Keep in mind SEO best practices. There are some good articles on white/negative-space, best practices etc. on design blogs/magazines such as smashing (http://www.smashingmagazine.com/) and carsonified (http://carsonified.com/blog/) that might help your articulate your requirements better. Here area a few:

Whitespace - http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2007/01/12/white-space-and-simplicity-an-overview/

SEO - http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/06/29/45-incredibly-useful-web-design-checklists-and-questionnaires/

Accessibility - http://carsonified.com/blog/category/design/accessibility-design/

Hope this helps you articulate what you are trying to achieve!

FrankGrimes

Many thanks for that lads, looks like exactly the kind of stuff I was after. Will look into those links, though of course any other pointers are welcomed.

tricky D

Also have a look at http://www.alistapart.com/

Here's a random top ten brief tips:

Build for:

• Credibility (quality content)
• Useability (don't make it so users have to think unncessarily)
• Visibility (SEO/marketing)
• Scalability (you'll likely save in the long run)
  
• Test, test, test
• Don't forget the purpose of your site (write on a post-it and stick on your monitor)
• Proofread for grammar, puncuation and spelling
• Use standards and best practices
• Designing properly for accessibility usually means you'll cover a lot more than just accessibility alone
• Look for good value as opposed to good price (low cost)

Brucie Bonus: Never stop learning

p

My advice, try hire a person who knows more about design than you. Look at their portfolio and if you're happy with their work go with them. That way, you can just let them use their own expetertise and you can focus on the business goals of the project.

KJF

p wrote: »

My advice, try hire a person who knows more about design than you. Look at their portfolio and if you're happy with their work go with them. That way, you can just let them use their own expetertise and you can focus on the business goals of the project.

Couldn't agree more.

anbrutog

Stay clear of Comic Sans at all times.

cormee

anbrutog wrote: »

Stay clear of Comic Sans at all times.

I always like a bit of Comic Sans along with a frenetically animated Under Construction gif.

anbrutog

cormee wrote: »

I always like a bit of Comic Sans along with a frenetically animated Under Construction gif.

the good old days eh??