8 Technical Factors to Consider in Web Design and Development
Designs that effectively convert require technical know-how with concepts that are explained in a way that even non-technicals would understand. It takes more than creating a clean design, although this is also fundamental. Learn more about the technical factors that matter.
A lot of things go into web design and development. However, the non-technicals can only imagine how many manhours are put into designing and developing a website. Speaking of the non-techies, it would help to understand the nitty-gritty part of the development. You don’t have to be a part of the dev team to appreciate these the factors that influence the 3 Fs - form, function, and feature.
Technical factors affecting web design and development
1. Strong backend services
Backend services mostly refer to the CMS or the content management system that will support the entire development process. This is crucial because everything that happens here will directly impact the users - backend elements are user-facing. Thus, without strong foundational support from the most reliable CMS, you cannot expect your website to have the ‘wow’ factors. Magento is to e-commerce stores and WordPress is to content-heavy sites.
2. Clean design
Clean, appealing, intuitive, and responsive design equate to quality design. Texts and graphics can distract the users and veer them away from what matters most - key value propositions. Instead of focusing on what your brand can offer to them, the design becomes counterproductive then. This must be avoided more so that users equate the quality of design with the overall quality of the products and services. The positive user experience also extends to using effective color scheme. Design is 101% visual. If you are using colors that do not convey the brand message, it won’t work.
3. User-friendly navigation
Intuitive navigation cannot be emphasized enough. If your visitors get confused browsing your website, chances are, they will leave immediately and would never come back ever! Make navigation easy and efficient. This should be integral to the design stage. Once it was coded and launched, it would be difficult to recover from the impractical information architecture (IA). Be the most important person within the QA team if you must to determine that navigation is doing its purpose.
4. Strategically-placed CTA buttons
CTA stands for call to action or a stimulus that compels the users to act on what they have seen or read, for instance. Web designers and, of course, UX (user experience) experts must know where to place these buttons for maximum effect. For one, the succinct messages signal that you want to build a relationship with them. You cannot just put any CTA; it should be relevant to the levels of engagement of the users. This can be addressed by web designers and developers too.
5. Fast loading times
Another aspect to look at is the site’s speed. Loading times are critical because it influences the user’s decision to stay on the site or leave it to browse another website - it’s a deciding factor. A user will abandon your website if it takes more than 3 seconds to load. Thus, it is important that the website is not code-heavy and with optimized images. Otherwise, you are running the risk of losing visitors and having high bounce rates. Both factors are no good. So fix loading issues before the site’s official launch date and check speed performance periodically.
6. Multiple browser compatibility
Responsiveness is equally critical since the users access the site on various devices - from desktop to tablet and smartphone. A well-designed website responds efficiently on multiple devices as well as browsers. If not, the site will exclude a big portion of Internet users. This one has financial ramifications you don’t want to experience especially when you are just starting out.
7. Mobile-friendly
To continue with the above, mobile-friendliness of the site must be considered in the design phase too. This is the norm today that is why Google introduced mobile-first indexing in 2018. More and more people are using mobile devices when searching for information. It is only right that your website should be designed for mobile capabilities.
8. Effective security
Google also requires that websites be secured. Web design should also consider the site’s integrity to prevent any compromises. This is done by using an SSL certificate, an online security protocol. No one wants to deal with a high-risk website particularly one that collects personal information. Security features must be included in the design and must be reviewed during the development. Conduct security checks regularly too.
And yes, as blatant as it may sound, just K-I-S-S!