Memorable User Experiences with Minimalist Web Design March 30, 2012 by Sarah Bauer BA English Literature

The confines of restraint test our creativity in ways that often result in memorable experiences. Stripping a web design down to its essential elements can provide users with focused access to what they want to accomplish, and what you wish for them to discover. Minimalist web design is not a trend. It is a movement for effective communication.

Smashing Magazine contributor Cameron Chapman says that minimalism is all about “taking things away until nothing else can be removed with interfering with the purpose of the design.”

That might sound too simple, but consider what stays behind in the process. With fewer elements gracing the page, every decision must be considered strategically. Typography, placement of text, shading palettes and white space, will be subject to vulnerability. With minimalism, every choice is bold.

So when considering minimalist web design for your own site, think about what must remain on the page, and what is non-essential for the optimal user experience of your content.

Delwin Campbell of SixRevisions.com suggests that we keep three elements in mind:

• Subject
• Usability
• Balance

The subject of the page-the most vital element in your business communication-should be maintained in minimalist design. This directs users to accomplish tasks and learn about your services.  Anything outside these goals need not be included.

Only include elements that improve usability, and enhance user-friendliness. Clarity in instructions is key. Don’t strip the design down to the point of confusion, where functions have no explanations, or the page lacks user direction.

Visual hierarchy matters in minimalist web design, making balance necessary for effective white space.  When the user hits your homepage, what elements are they immediately drawn to? What do you want them to see first, and how will they roam the page?

Strategic colour usage, typography choices, and placement of content must be thought out with subject, usability, and balance considered. Careful planning in minimalist design sets the dynamic web solutions apart from the bland, white space layouts that are simply grasping at the aesthetic lure.

While minimalist web design does make for clean, impressive layouts, the benefits in enhancing user experience greatly outpace the superficial visual aspect.

Take a look at some of these minimalist design galleries to assess whether minimalism is a direction for your business website to consider. Minimalism can create memories.

1. http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/galleries/minimal-website-designs/
2. http://www.cssdsgn.com/category/minimalist/
3. http://www.1stwebdesigner.com/inspiration/beautiful-examples-minimal-design-inspiration/
4. http://minimalexhibit.com/
5. http://webdesignledger.com/inspiration/20-inspiring-minimalist-web-designs

References

1. Campbell, Delwin. “How Minimal is Too Minimal?” 5 December 2011. SixRevisions.com: http://sixrevisions.com/web_design/minimalist-how-minimal/

Chapman, Cameron. “Principles of Minimalist Web Design, With Examples.” 13 May 2010. Smashing Magazine: http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/05/13/principles-of-minimalist-web-design-with-examples/

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Comments

There are 4 comments (add your own) Hide/Display all Comments

• Ja
  Posted on: April 8, 2012 at 12:32 am

  “Appreciate you sharing, great post.Really thank you! Fantastic.”

• Mindy
  Posted on: April 8, 2012 at 1:07 pm

  I appreciate you sharing this article post.Much thanks again. Awesome.

• Otha
  Posted on: April 8, 2012 at 7:45 pm

  I appreciate you sharing this article post. Keep writing.

• Sarah Bauer - http://www.navigatormm.com
  Posted on: April 16, 2012 at 7:54 am

  Thank you for the positive feedback! Is anyone considering a minimalist redesign for their own site?