Not too long ago, designing a good website was apparently all about how many bells, whistles, do-dads, and other completely unnecessary features you could pack in to the design. Thank goodness this has changed!
Clean and simple web design has been the trend of the year, and here is why:
People are too busy for clutter and distraction. What is your level of tolerance when you land on a site that is filled with junk, too many flashing graphics, sound that starts when you land on the page, or perhaps way too much advertising? It’s probably safe to say that we’re all becoming a little bit more skeptical of all this stuff and much quicker with the “back-button” trigger. We all have better things to do that wade through distraction to find something on a website.
Mobile devices demand it. Mobile devices are very robust these days when it comes to processing power (and internet connectivity speeds), but the trend of simple, clean websites makes all the difference in the minds of smartphone or tablet device users. The screen space is limited and any amount of clutter or un-needed distraction can make the website virtually unusable for mobile visitors.
People are more design-savvy these days. One of the reasons why the Apple, for example, is so popular and successful is because of their impeccable commitment to design. Yes, their products are more expensive – but they are created to be easy to use, to look great, and to function flawlessly. Most of this can be summed up as being clean and simple in design. We’re just living in a world where more and more people seem to understand and demand good design. More websites are beginning to catch on everyday, which will only spread the trend further.
Perhaps even the economy has made an impact. This is something to consider at least – with our less-than-stellar economy playing a role in all we do and see, it should come as no surprise that an attitude of “less is more” might be catching on as people commit to frugality and simpler living conditions. The era of bigger is better and more is better very well may have come to an end. People have different priorities these days, and crazy as it may be, this can definitely impact what they prefer to see from a website as well.
It just works. If you look at any major corporation’s website, you’ll probably notice how clean and simple it is when it comes to design. In fact, a good majority of the top traffic websites utilize a plain white background. These companies, their website designers, and their market strategists have discovered that the content itself is most important – and that the design should simply serve to support the content and not the other way around. Clean design just works.
Until Next Time.
George Chaney
President/CEO
SEO King, Inc.
