Best Web Design Practices
Visual Hierarchy
The most important content should be most visible. Use size, color, and position to guide attention. Headlines larger than body text. Buttons that stand out from the background. Whitespace to separate sections.
Navigation
Keep navigation simple. 5-7 main menu items maximum. Put the most important pages first. Use clear labels'"Services" not "What We Do." Include a search function on larger sites. Make the logo link to home.
Typography
Use two fonts maximum'one for headings, one for body text. Body text should be 16px minimum for readability. Line height around 1.5. Limit line length to 50-75 characters. Create contrast between heading and body sizes.
Color
Choose a primary color, a secondary color, and neutrals. Use your primary color for important elements like buttons and links. Ensure sufficient contrast for accessibility'4.5:1 ratio for normal text. Don't use color alone to convey information.
Mobile Design
More than 50% of web traffic is mobile. Design for mobile first, then expand to desktop. Touch targets should be at least 44x44 pixels. Avoid hover-only interactions. Test on actual devices, not just browser resize.
Loading Speed
Users leave if a page takes more than 3 seconds. Optimize images'use WebP format, compress files. Minimize HTTP requests. Use lazy loading for images below the fold. Enable browser caching.
Consistency
Same button styles throughout the site. Same spacing patterns. Same color usage. Consistency builds trust and reduces cognitive load. Create a style guide and follow it on every page.
