Creative World
Web Design
and
Good Communication Skills:
A Primer
Communication Skills for Web Designers
Web
design, despite all of its artistic pretensions, is first
of all, communication. You are delivering a message, or supporting
a message that your client wants to express. I have found
that having a firm grasp of communication skills as they
apply to public speaking has made me a more web designer.
How so? In this series of articles we will consider basic
principles of good communication, and how they can help you
become a better web designer.
Communication Principle #1: Speak Clearly
Words must be clearly spoken, In order for communication
to be effective, it must be understood. When you enunciate
carefully, others understand what you say. You are more likely
to be taken seriously when you are clearly understood.
As web designers, we must clearly communicate our clients
message. Therefore, each element on the page should be clearly
understood.
For example, is the text legible? Does the color of the
text make it distinct, easy to read, or must one struggle
to read it because it is faint, has poor contrast, or is
too small? That can be compared to someone who speaks only
in a whisper--it forces the listener to stain to hear the
message. Make sure that your web copy is easy to read.
Does the text have sufficient white space? There should
be a pleasing ratio of space around blocks of text, and,
between lines of text. Find any website where the text is
a pleasure to read, and you will usually see a pleasing amount
of white space (space around blocks of text) and leading
(the space between lines of text). Being stingy in this regards
will cause text to crowd together--like trying to decipher
the conversation of someone who speaks too rapidly. Good
use of white space contibutes to a clearly understood message.
Let's now consider the graphics you've chosen to adorn your
page. Can the viewer understand why you've chosen a particular
photo or illustration? Is its purpose clearly understood?
Like slurred or indistinct speech, a poorly chosen graphic
does not convey a clear message. It is better to use no graphic,
than to have one that does not convey the proper message.
Finally, consider your color choices. Do they clearly convey
your message? Think about the spirit of your client's message.
Is it a warm appeal, an exciting pitch, or a cool approach?
Do the colors you've chosen clearly convey the spirit of
your message?. Warm colors for a warm appeal, cool colors
for a cool approach, etc. You get the idea. Color conveys
a message. Make sure that it is clearly in harmony with the
overall message of your presentation.
In closing , good web design is clear, and
easily understood. Make sure all elements used in your web
design speak clearly. If they are not easily understood by
the viewer, they will not be taken seriously. Web Hosting - Link Exchange - Website Hosting
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