What do you guys consider a "simple" web design?

It bugs me when somebody spends 5 minutes on a web design and then calls it "simplicity". Surely that is not the true definition of the word?

Simplicity is the best Hard work someone can do ;) When someone looks at every detail to make each thing related with other things, this become simple to the user eye .. And represent the real simplicity for me !

For me. simplicity refers to the layout, color combination, and typography.

In my opinion, a simplistic website design focuses on content rather than over the top design aspects. You don't want any flash elements or unnecessary coding because you don't want anything to distract users from your content.

You don't want confusing navigation and unnecessary design elements standing in between your web site users and the business you want from them. A simple web site design is a clean web design that avoids using any design elements that hide or distract from the information your web site user came specifically to your site to get. Flash intro pages (unless your industry is music, high fashion or a similar art), animated clip art, graphics that move across the screen, and page transition effects are high on my “just say no” list.

A business-focused web design does not use blinking, sliding or spinning text or graphics. Not only do those effects look too much like advertising but they can also hinder your low-literacy users. I also discourage the use of background music on a web site, even if it can be turned off.

Your web site users will get more out of your web site if it works the way they expect it to work. A business-focused web site that follows standard web design guidelines is not the same as a “boring” web site. A simple web site is designed to quickly serve up the information that your web site users came to your site looking for.

Simplicity is purest when there's nothing left to take away.

;6606914']What do you guys consider a "simple" web design?

It bugs me when somebody spends 5 minutes on a web design and then calls it "simplicity". Surely that is not the true definition of the word?
Actually, I think a "simple" design is harder to create than a complicated one. As Payton properly suggests, you want a design that has very clear calls to action built into a "basic" design. It gets to the point right away, and delivers the info that the visitor is looking for in a straight forward manner. Flash and glamor are just eye candy. The key is to get the visitor to click on links you want them to click on when they visit your site.

Simplicity is often misconstrued. Just look at adobe.com or microsoft.com. They are very utilitarian based, right to the point, and no nonsense. We could all take a lesson from that.

Vito

Actually, I think a "simple" design is harder to create than a complicated one. As Payton properly suggests, you want a design that has very clear calls to action built into a "basic" design. It gets to the point right away, and delivers the info that the visitor is looking for in a straight forward manner. Flash and glamor are just eye candy. The key is to get the visitor to click on links you want them to click on when they visit your site.

Simplicity is often misconstrued. Just look at adobe.com or microsoft.com. They are very utilitarian based, right to the point, and no nonsense. We could all take a lesson from that.

Vito


I agree about adobe, it is a well developed website. Microsoft on the other hand is a mess.

Some people calls simplicity as “minimalism” in web design rules, you know, “less is more” but of course you have to know the rules, because the design could look too empty and boring; . As Payton says, a simply design focus on content, also the white space use.


Apple website, for example
http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/design/minimalistic-web-design/


Why is so difficult to do something looks simply? lol

Basic graphics, no cms, 3/4 pages.
Thats waht I would say is simplicity, unless defined further.
Unless 'Simplicity to Update' then there looking for a CMS theme and CMS.
Etc.
IMOH Simplicity doesnt define enough on its own.

I won't go deeper into the matter but strangely enough there are two designers in this thread flashing a sig that's really an eye sore. So much for simplicity.

I won't go deeper into the matter but strangely enough there are two designers in this thread flashing a sig that's really an eye sore. So much for simplicity.

lol, sigs and websites are two very different things...

As for the comment above about simplicity meaning no CMS... huh :eek: If anything, some of the most direct / simple navigating websites I have used recently are CMS based... Running a CMS or not running a CMS has NOTHING to do with simplicity if you ask me.

- Mekhu

lol, sigs and websites are two very different things...



But still governed by the same rules.

But still governed by the same rules.

I guess that all depends how you look at it.

For me, if an ugly flashy sig gets the clicks then it did it's job. That's hardly the same as my philosophy for my website.

- Mekhu

I guess that all depends how you look at it.

For me, if an ugly flashy sig gets the clicks then it did it's job. That's hardly the same as my philosophy for my website.

- Mekhu

Maybe it did its job in terms of PR but not in promoting the signee's sense for simplicity & style.