5 Tips for Page Division and Web Design

 

1- Boxes
Many templates use boxes to create a clear division between the different types of content. This is very often used in professional business websites, where organization and conciseness is a very important factor in conveying a businesslike approach. It is also the most clear cut division, making the browsing experience for the viewer simplest and fastest. As the example in the free Flash template below shows, each box, gets its own subject title, making it easy to describe the information in each box, and possible to add a lot of information on one page without losing the viewer's attention.

 

For a softer division you can use simple lines to create a division between page parts. This creates a more refined division and a more fluid web design, While keeping your content organized and leading the viewer through the information without getting hazy. You can use this division if you want to use monochromatic designs, similar to the example below.

Empty space is also a great divider. This is often used in minimalistic designs, but not only. By creating a solid margin of empty space around an area in a page you are emphasizing it. Think of it as giving your content a halo. In the Flash template example below, the spaces are used to create virtual boxes, and function in the same way as a line or a box would. However, empty space is flexible. You can use it to surround your logo or even texts, without boxing that content in. Remember that spacing is important in a web design no matter what. It gives breathing room and conveys elegance. In marketing, upscale brands will usually have the most spacious designs while inexpensive products will be more cramped. Therefore, the manner in which you choose to create the divisions on your page also says something about your business, your art or your photography.

 

Remember that we are all pre-programmed to view things in a certain way. I’m not saying there’s no room for personality changes, but there is a certain logic we all tend to follow. For example, English readers, who read from left to right will most often look to the top left corner first. That's why you'll often find the brand name/company name in that location. It's the first place your website's visitor will look so logically, you'll place the most important information there. Similarly, menus will most often be found in the left side of the website or on the top. Test this yourself, browse through different websites and time yourself. How long does it take you to find the navigation when it’s on the left side of the page? How long when it’s located on the right?

 

Using a centralized web design is good for drawing dramatic attention and focus at the center of the page, but it often limits the amount of information you can add around it, as the center of the page will often leave the rest of the page unbalanced. That is why the page composition will usually divide the page into thirds, and push the emphasis around from the center of the page. Even so, often you’ll see a landing page with the logo of the company and an invitation to enter the website at the center.