1. Intertwining Aesthetic Design and Functionality

Abstract

Many web developers put a great deal of focus on their website’s functionality, but neglect to consider their users’ preferences and desire for aesthetics. Other web developers hold the opposite problem: striving for a vibrant and colorful design, but lacking in functionality and practicality. I hope to go in depth and explore the dos and don’ts for both design and functionality, and how to maximize their efficiency without one aspect hindering the other. One of the greatest difficulties that one faces when developing a website is the battle between keeping a website simple, yet still allow the user to have a wide array of tools at his/her disposal. Many studies have shown that people tend to prefer simple designs over complex ones. Simple designs are easier to navigate, are visually appealing, and seem less daunting to inexperienced users. My goal is to explore a variety of design techniques, including color, text arrangement, sounds, movement, and show how to incorporate them into a website without negatively effecting the performance of the website.