In this insightful article by Remy Sharp, a web professional since 1999, he explores the various factors that contribute to good and bad web design, drawing from his extensive experience attending design, user experience, and developer conferences for over 15 years.
I'd argue that a good web site design puts this last in the priorities, and a bad web site design puts aesthetics above all else.
Sharp emphasizes that while aesthetics are important, they should not be the primary focus of web design. Good web design prioritizes functionality, accessibility, and user experience above visual appeal. He outlines several crucial factors including content findability, mobile responsiveness, loading performance, content hierarchy, and accessibility features.
This comprehensive approach ensures that a website serves its primary purpose of effectively delivering information and services to all users, regardless of their devices or abilities.
Can I find what I'm looking to do? This means landmarks are clear, I'm not being pulled away by distracting content (like overlays) and I can find the navigation easily.
The author emphasizes the fundamental importance of intuitive navigation and clear content organization in web design. He illustrates this principle with practical examples, showing how good design enables users to accomplish their tasks efficiently without unnecessary obstacles. This user-centric approach prioritizes practical functionality over flashy features, ensuring that visitors can easily access the information or services they need without frustration or confusion.