Web sites are created to be used by people. Web sites are there to navigate users to answers, not to make more questions. It is the designer?s responsibility to come up with the layout design that at least matches the users? expectations on how to use a web site. Creating a successful GUI for a web site can signify a major dilemma. There are thousands of poorly designed web sites all over the World Wide Web that easily confuse the users. However, this problem can be avoided with a little bit of planning before hand.

Since the web sites are for people, they must be built based on the human logic. They must contain familiar to the user elements of the web site. The colors, the fonts, the graphics, and the navigation must support the overall theme and the objectives of the web site. Consistency in design on all your web pages leaves a good impression and guarantees your web site an enjoyable user experience. A user must be able to get to any content on your site with a least amount of mouse clicks, and just as easy be able to return to the previous section. The less time the user spends learning how to use your web site, the more time the user has to appreciate your nicely laid out web site. Your web site users have already made an effort and clicked on your web site?s link, don?t make them regret the decision by confusing them.

The creation of any web site?s interface raises a lot of questions concerning the site?s goals and purpose. Graphic designer must understand these goals to find the way to relate to the target audience with a visually appealing interface design that would satisfy both parties ? the user and the client. The web site becomes successful when it works, when it produces results, when the user knows exactly how to use the site?s resources. They are the ones who put the web sites to work, who appreciate the usability on your web site. Otherwise, they would choose another similar site that functions much simpler, more logically correct.

In conclusion, I would like to say: ?Don?t waste time with thousands of spoons, when all you need is a knife.?

Author Info
Timur Mutyshev
interactive media designer

http://www.timsondesign.com