In 2017, we see an old concept emerging…that of minimalism. The sheer power of minimalism is starting to be reacquainted into the repertoire of designers (web designers and graphic designers alike). By sheer power, we find that less is truly more. Why add hundreds of different options in one place when you can add an amount in the single digits that could do the same thing? We at Tag Team Design have incorporated this into our Denver web design many times over. It allows you to focus on what’s important, drive more user engagement and potential conversions. If you are able to provide the who, what, why, when, and where with a simplistic approach, then you are well on your way to creating a high converting website that any visitor will appreciate and trust. Hence, the power of minimalism.
This concept allows companies to unite their business strategy with their design principles. For Denver web design, we have melded our business strategy without unique, minimalist design into creating a product that has carved a place in our niche in our area. With the melding of these two, we as graphic designers have to be aware of what it is we can do to take full advantage of minimalism.
When I arrive at any website, my immediate thought is, “I hope this site has created an incredibly big, entangled web of links and pictures. What I really desire is a magical journey into Narnia. I am primed for adventure; hopefully this will take hours to find what I came here for. I absolutely love the idea that I could spend my whole day searching for what it is I need”. Sounds pretty common though right? Probably not.
This is where designers step in, knowing that we need to create a simplistic, yet, elegant design that will allow users to navigate through a beautiful, visually stimulating environment. We can show those who are looking for something better that a website can be a journey, without taking a Final Fantasy approach to it. We can show this in a few different ways:
1. CONTRASTING COLORS
A great way to create an enticing design with minimal effort. Show clashing colors by different segments on each page, with interplay of your chosen colors put on rotation throughout the site for an aspect of consistency. With this, pick 2 to 3 colors maximum to stick with. Again, less is more and allows for you to not have to recreate the wheel every time. This could be considered a corner stone of any Denver web design or wherever it is you find yourself in the world.
2. TEXT BLENDED INTO THE BACKGROUND
Create a great picture that immediately tells a user why they’re there. Within this picture add some text that seems like it’s apart of the picture. You can even add a call to action that sits with the text but doesn’t stick out too much. For example: if someone is looking up Denver web design, we have a graphic that sits on our homepage to immediately let a user know they’ve made it to the right place.
3. SIMPLISTIC TYPOGRAPHY
Get to the point. No need for a font with too many curves or breaks. Keep it simple so people can read it without any confusion.
4. DEPTH
Adding small shadows can give the perception of a 3D effect. With this we can make simplistic graphics and add shadows for an extra dynamic. Paired with a good color contrast and centered picture, it will fill tons of space without having to overload the screen. This lends a lot to having users focus on why they are here and can get right to where they end from the get-go instead of wading around too much. Maybe even having 3d text at the top like “Denver web design” or whatever your site pertains to in your industry.
5. CONSISTENCY
After you have decided on a design to go with on your homepage, stick to it. Minimalism thrives on consistency. At the heart of it, the less work the better, so pick your theme and move it throughout the site.
6. BOLDNESS
Don’t be afraid to make your simplistic design stand out from the crowd by making it bold. Find your design that is simple but catches the eye. You’ll know it when you see it. Again, we find an opportunity to show off your text immediately for why someone might be there. “Denver web design” or “website development denver”. Insert your important text here.
7. SYMMETRY & ASYMMETRY
Everyone knows that symmetry is appealing. Any person that you’ve ever found attractive has generally had a symmetrical face; it’s human nature to be attracted to symmetry. Use this to your advantage by aligning everything in a beautiful manner (even with a lack of space-filling things, you can create a symmetrical design). Or… Go the opposite way. In the same way we are attracted to symmetry, asymmetry can create an off-setting an appearance that will draw someone’s eye to exactly where you need it go.