Web design has come a long way and is constantly improving to make a person’s searching experience more convenient, which can be mutually beneficial for both target markets and sellers. Companies such Magneto, WordPress & Joomla have offered multiple, new web design platforms to ensure optimal results and more opportunities for traffic than ever before. Here are just 5 of several changes that web designers can expect from 2015.
Split Screen Layouts
This new feature allows for searchers to compare two or more websites side by side on their screen for easier access to data. Chrome’s “Tab Resize” option will allow for this action to be accomplished, and no longer will there be the need to switch between windows or tabs to compare data.
Modular & Grid Based Layouts
Based on the distinctly modernist designs of Massimo Vignelli nearly 30 years ago, grid-based layouts have created a recognisable layout for print items such as brochures, and the design is easily adaptable in the context of web design. By applying modular grids, correcting the alignment of the website’s typography becomes much more simple and straightforward. As a result, the website can stand out as one that looks more professional by being more organised and geometrically proportioned to scale. This action can be taken by zooming out of the layout–either in the browser or through an extension of Photoshop–so that the layout size is about a third of its original size, which can help to point out mistakes in balance or alignment. While the Modular Grid Pattern may not work or may not be necessary for all layouts, it is an extremely useful tool.
Longer Scrolling Layouts
This one may be one of the more surprising of the 5 essential web layout trends of 2015. Initially, the dawn of the Internet encouraged web designers to either keep their content short, or to cram all information on one page. Web users simply didn’t have the attention span to scroll through all information in its entirety, which was the reasoning behind the short scrolling recommendation. The advent of mobile touch screen devices forces users to scroll with the limitations of a smaller screen. This is good news for those who want to elongate the scroll. By using the long scroll layout, web pages become more interactive, allowing viewers to delve deeper into the story and thus retain the main message.
Storytelling & Interactive Platforms
Closely related to longer scrolling are platforms used to engage viewers in the story of a website, blog, business, etc. No longer will the pushy rhetoric of a promotional layout suffice. Utilising tools such as type, videos, gifs, photos, narration, music, web designers can create a more interactive website that specifies who they are as a business rather than what their product or service does.
Site Speed & Performance
Now an integral part of Google’s quality performance, PageSpeed tools make it easier to analyse and optimise one’s website performance, which, Google developers say, will “lead to higher visitor engagement, retention, and conversions.”
Conclusion
Search engine optimisation and web design can be daunting yet rewarding. While there are several helpful web pages that people to design their web on their own, this can be time-and energy-consuming. For anyone looking to build a new website, but do not want to deal with the stress of having to put forth the effort, Stress Free Media has the tools, resources, and experiences to make your website truly stand out.