Bad Web design is generally much easier to spot than good Web design. If you have ever visited a Web site with non-intuitive navigation, a flashy color scheme, and ugly fonts, you know bad web design. Some of the best-designed sites, though, are special because you do not notice them. They quietly and efficiently get you the information you need without announcing their presence.
The annual Webby Awards recognize the best Web sites in twenty-five categories. By examining how two of these exceptional sites were created, you can learn a lot about what sort of work goes into creating compelling Web sites.
Good Design in Action:
The Pride of Montreal and Google Earth's Easy Navigation
Montreal's tourism Web site, MadeInMTL.com, was nominated for a Webby in the category "Best Visual Design - Function." The site opens with a collaged street scene, and once users select their language, they are taken to a page packed with information about upcoming events in the city, maps of attractions, and an impressive amount of detailed information about Montreal.
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Bluesponge, the production studio responsible for the Web site, strove to create a site that felt like Montreal, "a virtual Montreal that would appeal to varied interests--even native 'Montrealers'." Bluesponge succeeded in capturing the feel of the city without overwhelming visitors, going far beyond the usual bland lists of sights and restaurants travel Web sites usually offer.
Another nominee in the "Best Visual Design - Function" category, Google Earth, uses a less flashy style. It is intuitive, especially for users already familiar with Google through its search engine or Web mail program. Navigating does not involve blazing a trail of discovery, but following a clearly marked path.
MadeInMTL.com never would have worked as well if it had been designed with the simplicity of Google Earth. Tourists want romance and excitement from their destinations, and a travel Web site should strive to evoke those feelings, as Montreal's Web site does. Google Earth, on the other hand, would suffer from a more grandiose site design. It is not selling a destination, but providing a service, and its design reflects its mission.
Education and Career Opportunities for Web Designers
In order to get started in Web design, you need to earn your associate's or bachelor's degree. While in school, you will learn about both the aesthetics and the mechanics of good Web design. Make sure that your program gives you a thorough training in HTML and CSS, the two major Web programming languages. An internship in the field over a summer or after you graduate is a great way to gain the necessary Web design experience that prospective employers want you to have.
As more companies launch Web sites, companies that do not have their own Web sites are becoming a rarity. Companies depend on attractive Web design to lure people to their sites. As a Web designer, it is your job to help companies and organizations present themselves in the best possible light by creating easy-to-use, attractive Web sites.
Sources
"Made in MTL: A Smooth Operator"—Bluesponge.com"2006 Webby Nominees"—WebbyAwards.com
Google Earth
