I am currently modifying my portfolio web site which I have been working on these past few weeks in class. As a graphic designer, I must keep in mind that design elements must always be carefully considered when designing my web site. I found a great article online on a site called A List Apart for People who Make Websites. The article is entitled "Topics: Design: Graphic Design." In class, my fellow students and I make sure to constantly acknowledge four specific rules when designing a web page: contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity. Contrast is king according to this article. It explains that the color options of a page do not particularly matter but the way in which a designer uses them are key to creating a hierarchical element. Contrast differentiates one site's design from another. I read that at one time it was generally a known rule to all designers that they should create their site with respect to the colorblind. This however limits the designer's capabilities and in the long run it lessens the potential of the site. Nowadays, designers realize they can do whatever they wish regarding color choice as long as the hierarchy is still clear, whether a colorblind person is viewing it or not.
Typography is another important step in the creation of web sites. Certain typefaces were not intended for web purposes due to their illegibility on the screen. Simple, non-decorative typefaces are usually the best choices to stick with since they are easy to read when sized down. The aesthetic appearance of a typeface should be relevant to the material that it is referring to. For example, soft lines and stroke weights can be used for delicate material or to elude dignity or elegance.
Grid systems must always be used to ensure the best design possible for your site. Perfect alignment is obtained through the use of grids and it makes placement of images and text easier. Small intricate details such as these do matter and play a major role if they are not taken into consideration. The tiniest detail can stick out like a sore thumb to the viewer if it is ineffectively added into the site. CSS layout is ideal in Dreamweaver especially when a header, footer and columns are being used.
Whitespace, aka negative space, is the space between elements in a composition. It must be utilized in the correct manner specific to each layout and design. If there is too much unnecessary whitespace, your site may look unfinished. However if you are going for a simple, more empty looking site, you need to really make sure the whitespace looks intentional to aid the complete design.
Reference: http://www.alistapart.com/articles/on-web-typography
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