In this interview, Boomtown Internet Group’s lead creative designer, Kristin McCrossin, answers some of the most common questions about website design and redesign.
Why Choose WordPress and Impreza for Your Website?
Q: Why should I choose WordPress for my website?
A: “WordPress powers over 60% of the internet, which I think demonstrates its user-friendliness and accessibility. It’s also always been open-source so it has a vibrant community, ensuring readily available solutions and continuous platform updates making it stay modern and secure.”
Q: Why do you choose Impreza for WordPress websites?
A: “Impreza functions as a powerful drag-and-drop interface seamlessly integrated within the WordPress ecosystem. This intuitive solution revolutionizes website design and editing, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for users with limited coding experience. Thus, making a fully customized website, matching your branding and style, much more cost effective. Which is important to all business owners.”
Google’s Impact on Website Design
Q: Why are sliding banners no longer recommended?
A: “Sliding banners, or carousels, have fallen out of favor for several reasons.
- They can significantly detract from user experience by forcing visitors to wait for crucial information to appear.
- Auto-playing elements present accessibility challenges for users with disabilities.
- Mobile compatibility often suffers, resulting in awkward scrolling and a diminished user experience.
- Search engines, particularly Google, generally disapprove of auto-playing elements as they can negatively impact website performance and user engagement.
This is why we always recommend prioritizing user experience and adhering to SEO best practices, to create a more effective and engaging website, ultimately driving more leads and sales.”
Q: Are there any design limits?
A: “While there are no strict design limits, we do need to consider SEO best practices. Our SEO team may suggest avoiding certain design elements that could negatively impact your website’s search engine ranking, like removing sliding banners. However, we’ll work with you to find creative solutions that balance aesthetics and SEO.”
Understanding Website Design Concepts
Q: What is responsive design?
A: “Responsive design ensures your website looks great on all screen sizes, from desktop computers to mobile phones. Images, text, and buttons adjust to fit the device, providing a seamless user experience on any screen.”
Q: What is UX (User Experience)?
A: “UX encompasses the design and development of websites that are both intuitive and user-friendly. At its core, UX design prioritizes the visitor’s perspective, ensuring seamless navigation and effortless access to desired information. This involves meticulous consideration of various factors, including optimal page layout, strategic button placement, and overall website performance, to create an engaging and efficient online experience for all users.”
The Website Design Process
Q: What is your design process?
A: “Initially, have a discussion to thoroughly understand your unique vision and brand identity. Then we establish the foundational structure of your website, the layout, logo design, fonts, buttons, and a cohesive color scheme. Next we will design the homepage, which inspires the rest of the design phase. Once the homepage design is approved, we proceed to design and populate the remaining pages. After the full site is approved we get ready to launch the new website!”
Q: Can I keep my branding?
A: “Absolutely! Impreza is fully customizable, so you can incorporate your fonts, logos, colors, and overall style into your website. We’ll work with you to ensure your brand shines through.”
What Makes a Great Website?
Q: What are the essential features of a great website?
A: “While every website is unique, there are some essential features:
- Clear and concise navigation
- Fast loading times
- A strong, memorable brand identity
- A clear call to action
- Mobile-friendliness
Ultimately, a great website is one that delights its users and achieves its goals.”
Remember: While design trends may change, the core principles of good website design remain constant. By focusing on user experience, accessibility, and clear messaging, you can create a website that stands out and drives results.
A Final Note on Design Subjectivity
It’s important to remember that design is subjective. What one person finds beautiful, another may not. While we strive to create websites that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, ultimately, the goal is to build a website that you love.