The modern science seem to be not enough to explain all things happening in this world. For example, why a user does not appreciate a huge work on a site redesign in general, and complains about a poor logo? Why does a presentation kit usually break a minute before a demonstration to a customer? Or why toasts often fall butter-side down? In order to explain this mess, specialists from different areas have formulated their own rules of thumb that can be also applied to design as well.
How to create a high-quality design
Here we have selected some of the most notable and provided explanations how they work:
- KISS rule (“Keep it simple, stupid”)
“Any system works best if it is as simple as possible rather than made sophisticated.” Just as its name suggests, the KISS rule is about striving for simplicity. Many APIs, frameworks, and programming languages have enough means to offer complex solutions for many problems. Moreover, programmers often seek to find “clever” solutions intentionally. The KISS rule states that the simplest solution is the better solution. Similarly, all experienced UI/UX designers are aware of the fact that the qualitative web design is an invisible web design. People do not like to focus on an interface. They do not want to think of themselves as using a device, they want to think of themselves as doing what they want. Users want to focus on the website’s content. By focusing on not the interface, but on the experience, you will make sure that your customers remain at the core of your message.
- Von Restorff Principle
“When you present a multiply items, people will remember the one that differs from others.” It is a cognitive bias that can be also called “remembering the unusual” principle. In other words, the shift from the norm gets attention; differences in experience occur when something stand out from others. That is why emotional advertising campaigns, unusual packaging, and unique brands can increase sales and brand recognition. When it comes to creating web design, the choice of a catchy concept idea, fort type, and color also plays a crucial role.
- Pareto Rule
“20% of the causes – 80% of the effects” The majority of things in the universe yield little results and have little value; only a few of them have a great impact and work well. For example, 80% of the crashes are caused by 20% of bugs, or 20% of your clients generate around 80% of your sales. In other words, 20% of your efforts ensures 80% of your achievements. Think about this rule when creating web design.
- 1% Law
“Only 1% of the site visitors actively create new content.” Say, you created a blog for a group of 1000 people online. Accordingly, 10 of them will create content, 100 will somehow interact with it (sharing, commenting, etc), and the others will just view it. It is okay. Consider this when creating a site.
- Parkinson’s Rule
” The amount of work = the time available to complete it.” If a task should be done in a month, it will be done in a month. If it should be done in a year, then it will. Often, we, designers, don’t actually expand our work. Instead, we just do other stuff that fills our time and put it off to the bottom of the priority list.
- Hanlon’s Law
“Cock-up before conspiracy.” If to apply this rule to web design, when a project is low quality and with numerous shortcomings, it is not always the designer’s fault. Often, this is due to an unclear task provided.
- Occam’s Principle
“Solutions should not be multiplied beyond necessity.” In other words, the simplest explanation is usually the best. Following Occam’s principle, you should eliminate all unnecessary elements that can decrease a design’s efficiency. If two elements have the same function, just pick the simpler.
- Murphy’s Law
“If something can go wrong, it will.” Murphy’s law can explain nothing and a lot at the same time. Any technical equipment can break down in a presence of certain people. If a creative idea is presented to a customer, it necessarily fails. What is the conclusion? Be prepared for the worst, backup important files, stock up additional presentational boards, etc.
We hope that this article was interesting for you. Check our blog regularly if you’re looking for some tricks and tips on how to find a good web design company, interested in learning more about web development process, or just want a little web design inspiration. And don’t hesitate to contact us, if you have an idea of creating your own site in mind – Loonar Studios knows how to bring it into life!