Website Design versus Function

When creating or revamping a website both the design elements and overall function of the site are important. Is there a magic ratio of the two elements that lead to a successful website? If you were to ask a Web Developer they would state that function is clearly more important and the design should only respresent roughly 10% of the overall project. Clients sometimes get fixated on the design because it is more tangible and it is the first thing visitors to their site will see.

Although the design elements might make your clients stop on your webpage, what do you want them to do once they get there? Is the main focus of your website to provide information, e-commerce, online registration, etc...? In order to make a website functional a web developer must first know the target audience (demographics) and the desired result (action) of the user groups that will be visiting the site. Coming up with this information can actually be quite difficult and might require the skills of a communications or marketing professionial.

Once the function and target audience are established, then the visual or design elements can de worked around this framework. Look at is this way, You could design or renovate a room in your home and place the best Fridge, Oven, Range, Dishwasher, Counter Tops and also a beautiful paint job into this space. It is true that people would find this room stunning. But if this room’s "function" was supposed to be a bedroom, you have clearly missed the mark and the function should have been determined first.

Therefore, always invest the extra time to determine the function, message and user groups involved in your website before you meet with your Web Developer. These elements will drive the design and you will end up with a visually pleasing website that is also functional for your desired user groups. You will also save valuable time in reworks and revisions if you have a clearer vision of your new site!