You don’t have to be an expert to recognize impeccable design. Well-designed sites are satisfying to the eye but don’t overwhelm. They take advantage of available space without crowding and create a sense of calm for the viewer. How many times have you visited a website where you’re either being bombarded with music and automatic video or the blocks of text are so large and intimidating that you don’t bother to read them? These are the types of websites that get closed out of immediately. The following four websites probably never have that problem because of their exemplary design.
- Apple.com: When you first visit the Apple website, what you’ll notice is the incredible use of white space. Apple is known for its simple backgrounds, and the website is no different. Huge images greet you immediately. Although the images change frequently, they are usually photos of the hot Apple product of the moment. Large, crisp images invite the viewer into the site, but superb organization keeps him there.
- Mint.com: Mint is another example of clean design. Mint is not a product website; rather, it’s a financial management system. That means Mint has to be even more user-friendly than other sites because the user is depending on the design to guide him through a complicated process. Mint utilizes color magnificently with its stark white background, large gray text, and hints of green.
- Mozilla.com: Another website that employs white space spectacularly. Noticing a trend? Mozilla’s blue toolbar at the top of the screen is all you need to navigate the site. Broad categories with drop-down menus for specifics are the best way to organize information online.
- Digitalmash.com: The first non-commercial website example is the personal website of a designer. Digital mash mixes subtlety with bright colors and interesting text layout. The uniqueness of a tiny front page with colored text options is a phenomenal way to stand out.