“the ability for a web page to not simply present us with information, but to make that information move and, more importantly, to allow us to interact with and impact that information.” – the Internet
First Thoughts
- I’m starting to think we need to design two sites. We are missing a good chuck of a growing segment of the online community.
- In 2015, mobile searches passed desktop searches.
- Yet, most of, our sites are one design for desktop and mobile. However, Google prioritizes mobile sites over site that aren’t mobile friendly.
- With mobile first, we directly address the mobile community leveraging the priority the search engines are giving to phones and tablets.
- We should be brave in our design while considering the cultural and business messaging of the client.
- Using concepts at the vanguard of web design can help make us distinguishable from the competition. It also illustrates our commitment and proficiency working in the web medium.
- A website shouldn’t only be a brochure or a lead capturing platform. A website should ultimately be an informative experience.
New Design Concepts
- Video Backgrounds. Can add subtle eye-catching effect to a page while illustrating some message. For example: take a video screenshot of a logo being composed in Photoshop to demonstrate our services. Warning: Mobile doesn’t support video backgrounds.
- Microanimations on load, page scrolling, and hovers. Should be triggered by some user interaction to relay information or bring attention to some feature.
- SPD – Single Page Design. We have used this approach on some level, at least for the home page. SPD uses a minimalist approach by neatly placing content using a hierarchical framework. Pros: simplicity of design and maintenance. Cons: Could impact SEO negatively due to lack of keywords. However, Google is less dependent on a keyword than it once was.
- Mobile First – With mobile first, we directly address the mobile community and leverage the priority the search engines are giving to phones and tablets. A mobile first site would be a scaled down version with only highly prioritized content on display. It’s the top 10 menu item.
- Broken Grids – Traditional page layouts that rely on grids which present an orderly way of displaying a portfolio. With care use of asymmetrical positioning of text, images that overlap and irregular shapes, originality can be added to give a unique presentation that will be memorable to the user.