Skipping to the "B" Word

Well, I figured I could continue with this rant and jump backwards to the "B" word. I am sure you must be wondering what world I could be ready to discuss, but it is a truly relevant word when it comes to bad or good website design.

Ugly website design is missing this key word and good website design has learned how to use this word to perfection. The word I am talking about is balance. Balance is vital to the success (visually and beyond) to a good website design. The website will need to be function and focus on modern and fresh designs, but the balance is what holds the site together.

Balance can refer to both the layout, the color scheme, and the content. All three of these components must work together to build and aesthetically pleasing creation. If one of these are off-balance it could effect the others and essentially the entire site. Planning for all of these elements is normally best completed by a qualified professional. That leads to the question... if a site is ugly is that an indication it was not designed by a professional?

One can only imagine what letter I will choose to focus on next, but I can guarantee you that it will not start with a "z."

"The D Word"

Alright, are you starting to see a pattern here? Actually, guess I should have started at A, but no... I go ahead and start with F and move from there. Chalk it up to bad planning. Now, that I mention bad planning that is really the first and most foremost reason ugly websites are designed. Design is what the end user see first, but it should actually be one of the last steps when it comes to website planning. If you haven't caught on yet, the "D" stands for design.

Before you begin to design a page you have to create a plan. The most effective plans are a made by planning for both design and content. Once you determine the function, you must plan what content should be added, and then create the design based off that. Get it?!

Sound complicated? It really doesn't have to be. If you follow a step by step process you can easily plan for your website and give the designer a good idea of how to communicate your company's information. Well, I guess you might expect I will move onto a "C" word or even a "B" word next. Stay tuned!

The "F" Word

Well, I would like to discuss the "F" word, but it may not be the same word that is coming to mind. The word I would like to discuss today is function. Regardless of the type of design you currently have on your site (or the type of design you wish to have on your site) you have to ask yourself one thing... what is its function?

Function is the number one purpose of any site. Are you there to sell, share information, provide a service? Your key function should help to support what ever sales and marketing efforts you want to accomplish. As a business, it may come down to the function of each page on your website. Each individual page can offer a new service or function that all combined together provides a great environment for the consumer.

Function can dictate your design and how it is perceived by the consumer. Along with the many do's and don'ts we have covered in this blog, there are countless other tools and tricks of the trade that can be explored. A designer (regardless of his or her level of experience) should understand and execute basic design needs based on your company's function.

The K.I.S.S. Philosphy

Signs of a bad site... Now many times in your life have you heard people refer to the "KISS" philosophy. To be honest, I have heard it more times than I care to admit. KISS is an acronym for the once very popular saying "keep it simple stupid" and yes, I understand how weird that statement is.

Back in the "olden days" this expression emerged and although society has gravitated towards "OMG" and "LOL" you will still hear the term KISS from time to time. Why do I bring it up you ask? Good question... KISS is outdated, but is still relevant for some designers that choose to take their site over the top. Excess links, images, colors schemes, and poor layout options can transform a good site to a bad site in a matter of minutes.

Feel free to use other acronyms to explain bad design, but for now I am going to stick to one that has stood the test of time. KISS and build those websites with purpose and thought. The simple route is often the best route to take. That is, if you want to take advice from someone that still uses outdated acronyms. Just saying! :)

Well, Interesting Idea

I have to say I was a little shocked when I first was told about this site. Is this for real? Do people really pay money for this? Well, it looks real so I guess now it is time to discuss the poor website design.

How much time and effort do you think was associated with the design of this site? At first glance the images are really small and hard to view. You get a brief idea of what they are trying to communicate, but there is definitely room for improvement. There are a ton of links, a ton of information, a ton to look at when you land on this page.

The strange banner on the top of the page really stuck out. The colors did not seem to blend together and appear eye friendly. Overall, there are many aspects of this site that are odd regardless how fun the blow up pub many look.

Have a good night ugly design website seekers. Bad design may be addicting, but if you can mange to keep it off your website you are well ahead of the game. We hope you have a good weekend!

One, Two, Three, Four...

What do we need ugly sites for? Well, we need something to laugh at right?! Some of us watch comedies, other read jokes and we review ugly websites. Don't lie, you know you love it.

After my brief rant about QR codes I decided to delve into the marketing side and figure how they effect brands. Even brand with ugly websites. I have to say that my favorite use by far is on a business card. A quick scan of a business card can load the individuals information straight to your phone. Probably more advanced for those that are still dealing with bad website design.

Here's a question.... did you know that you can even scan a QR code on a computer screen. So you could have the ugliest website in the world with a QR code and someone might still visit you to try the scan. Just something to think about. You have to start making improvements somewhere, right?!

It's time to search for some new ugly sites. If you find one you want to share you know how to reach me. Have a good night all and take time to study proper web design.