Creating a strong navigation system goes beyond the main menu in the header. You might use directional arrows to direct users to specific pages, and sticky "Back to top" buttons are useful for most sites. The Nielsen Norman Group has some research-based suggestions about how to implement these navigational features.

Visual hierarchy

The visual hierarchy of a site design can be a key component in conveying a brand's message. A website must avoid sending a mixed message to the audience by avoiding an uneven distribution of content. If the visual hierarchy of a website fails to do this, the audience may quickly move on to a competitor's website.

Visual hierarchy can also improve the user experience of a website. It allows visitors to easily scan similar content and encourages them to explore more. Creating an appropriate visual hierarchy allows the designer to maximize user interaction.

Grid-based layout

One of the main activities of site design is creating a grid-based layout for the content of the site. This grid provides a structure to the design and helps the designer decide where certain elements should be placed. This will help the designer see where the third paragraph of type should go, for example.

One of the most important factors to consider in a grid-based layout is the width of the columns. These columns will span the height of the content area and should be at least 60px wide. Generally, the wider the column, the more flexible the grid will be. Column widths are a matter of personal choice, but the traditional number of columns on desktops is twelve, eight on tablets, and four on mobiles.

Branding elements

A brand is a collection of elements that help customers identify with a company. These elements include a logo, color palette, and specific user experience. They all come together to create the brand identity and help designers create a compelling site design. However, there are some things to keep in mind when using branding elements in site design.

A good logo design is essential to establish a brand. However, the right typography and images also play a crucial role in a website's design. The primary typeface will affect the readability and character of the site.

Navigational elements

Navigation is one of the most important design elements on a website, and it has a huge impact on whether or not visitors browse the site. Using the right navigational elements will help users find the content they are looking for, whether that's a product page or an informative page.

A good navigation design should be easy to navigate. The user should be able to find the content they need quickly and efficiently. This means that navigational links should give the audience an incentive to explore and stay on the site. There are several techniques that can help fine-tune the navigation of a website. Snapshots, recordings, and A/B tests are useful tools for testing navigational elements.

Color schemes

Before selecting a color scheme, you need to make sure your website is functional. If your link is broken or your product page is out of date, your users will become frustrated. You should also make sure your email opt-ins are set up and ready to go. If your site is not functional, even the best-looking color selection won't keep visitors around. In addition, color schemes should coordinate with the rest of the site, including the background and other secondary elements.

The NexBank website, for example, uses a monochromatic color scheme to evoke a serious feeling. Achromatic colors have been shown to lower heart rate in the short-term and calm users. This makes a monochromatic color scheme an excellent choice for serious banking websites. Another example is Spotify. This music streaming site uses cool shades and unusual, neon shades.

Text easy to read

One of the most important things in site design is the way the text looks. The more readable the text is, the more likely it is to be read. This means making sure your text has a clean layout and is easy to scan. Fortunately, web design has plenty of options for making your text easy to read.

Choosing the right font is crucial. The wrong font size can make it difficult to read. Ideally, your font size should be around 14px or 16px. You should also pay attention to line height, which is the space between adjacent lines of text. Text on a white background is easiest to read.