Clean and simple website interface design

Posted on Thursday, 17th January 2008.

Most often, websites and applications will be used by actual people on PCs or Laptops. It is therefore extremely important to produce website interfaces that suit the majority (if not all) of these users. By "Clean and simple" interface design, we mean producing a website design that is both well spaced and simple to use.

During my research I have looked at the way users browse and navigate (interact) many different styles of websites and as an abstract version of my findings – I can conclude that about 80% of these users find it easier when using a generic (done before) interface. This is mostly due to the high concentration of Microsoft Windows users and how they interface with the Windows operating system.

As an example of generic interface design; in most cases windows applications have the help menu to the top right of the screen. During my studies, I noted that most users instinctively looked to the top right for a "help" or "contact us" section when using a website. The significance of this concept when designing efficient interfaces is vast.

A summary of designing clean and simple website interfaces would be to follow the principals of already existing and successful websites. Make your navigation structure prominent to the left or at the top of your page. Have your page body to the right and to make it easier for your visitors to find help, search the site or contact you; place those links in the top right corner of your page.

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