When designing a product, there are some fundamental principles that apply, whether you’re designing a new toy or a website. Different people will approach design in different ways depending on their strengths but as long as the general principles are covered, a great design ban be born, no matter the speciality. Here are some things to consider when designing something:
Simplicity is OK
Don’t overthink or overcomplicate things, you only need a simple connection between design and function. The focus should be on excellent user-friendly design that’s easy and inviting for customers. Some things that already work well, don’t feel you have to change. If customers are familiar with a process then they might appreciate you initiating major design changes. This is particularly true of website design as there are certain elements of a website that customers expect to find.
Market Knowledge
To effectively tailor a product, an understanding of the target market is essential. For a product to be successful, it has to appeal to the kind of customer that your product or service is aimed at. You’ll need to make it attractive, desirable and interesting to that target group or your efforts will fall on deaf ears. Processes like researching focus groups and breaking down the market into different segments can be helpful in narrowing down your target audience.
The User Experience
Whether a physical item or something like a website, a product design must be tested in real life situations to see how effective and user-friendly it is. Trials before launching are vital so any last-minute refinements can be made. With websites, links and menus need to be accurate and working with load times and mobile optimisation also needing to be fine-tuned. For assistance in improving your website, think about Reading Web Design and visit http://www.starwebinnovations.co.uk/
Making it easy for the customer is crucial for website design. When reading a blog, you don’t want your customer to then have to hunt around to be able to sign up to your newsletter or they may change their mind. Making sure contact information is easily visible and providing opportunities for your customers to engage further and share socially is also essential.
Aesthetics
This is normally the first thing that people notice about a new product or website. It’s important to keep up with current trends and see what your competitors are doing but don’t lose sight of your brand identity and go too far in a completely new direction or you may alienate your existing clientele. Whilst ‘form’ is important, it’s not at the expense of function.
Originality
When designing anything, you want it to have something unique about it, to be able to corner a niche that you can become a specialist in. The same theory applies to websites. Any content should original, completely relevant to your product or service and of a high quality. As with any product, it must engage, be easy to navigate and inspire further connection with the brand to be a success.
