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Essence of Minimalist Website Designs

Less is more. Now, this has also been extended to web design. Minimalism is basically the art of using minimum elements to create maximum effect. Designers are constantly experimenting with different transitions, compositions and colors to implement minimalism in design. The underlying idea is to focus on simplification of user tasks. The designs may seem simple but what lies beneath is much more than minimal. Simple means effective, not easy as there are only a few elements on the designer’s tray and the task is to produce a greater effect. But it is bold and needs skills and expertise. Minimalism can thus be defined as the art of making use of only the essential elements. But why will you this?

Compelling Reasons for Opting for Minimalist Design Website

Minimalism designs are not only becoming popular because they are beautiful but there is a list of reasons which will definitely make you think about them. · Minimalism designs are catchy and definitely in vogue. · These designs are more responsive and present ease of navigation to the user. · Due to lesser elements on the page, the loading time is drastically reduced. · Minimalism also helps to make navigation increasingly intuitive. · Users are able to completely focus on the primary product with minimal distractions. Once you know what your efforts will lead to, your interest definitely flows towards creating it.

Best Practices used by Designers for creating Minimalist Web Designs

  • Whitespace Usage: Also known as negative space, whitespace has to be very cleverly used. This basically refers to space which is present between different elements of the composition. The primary benefit of using the whitespace properly is that it immensely enhances the overall user experience. It brings in an element of balance to the whole design as you are monitoring what will lie between the main blocks of content. The first trick to minimalist design is the maximum usage of whitespace. More white space will mean that there is nothing to distract.
  • Color Schema: Everyone like colors and where they go bright, the excitement goes higher. However, using bright colors in minimalist designs is a risky proposition. Too much color is far from captivating and may in-turn backfire. However, if your theme is demanding the usage of bright colors ensure that they are mixed with some soothing shades to tone-down the negative effect. Another word of caution is that there should be no sharp transitions between different blocks of content and also fancy fonts. The rule is to use the minimum number of elements.
  • Text-blocks: Psychology says that the human brain, especially short-term memory can only process seven information pieces at one time. Keeping this in mind, it is a good idea to divide the content into blocks as they aid in better perception of text and also makes the whole design more neat and streamlined. As a designer, you should keep only a few pieces of information on the interface so that the user attention is not hampered.
  • Navigation: Minimalism does not mean any design. Keeping your elements to a bare minimum does not mean any elements, or even taking off the elements which are essential for navigation. However, you can definitely remove the ones which are used only rarely. Navigation buttons can definitely be clubbed together for better organization. Also, they should be highlighted when one moves over them.
  • Images: Images have a great impact on people which can be both good or bad. As the design is already in the minimal notes, the images carry a huge significance to make a mark and fall in sync with the minds of the users. Images should carry meaning and relevance. They do not have only a decorative value and appeal. It should be a reflection of either the business vision or product. Also, one should use HD images for better clarity and effect.
  • Typography: You can take away everything and even one word, written in the right manner can do the magic. Content is definitely powerful and so is the manner in which it is shown and when. Sharp typography makes all the difference and is able to grip the user by creating a pull. Font size and placement is also important.
  • Harmony: The essence of a good design rests on appearance and alignment. Being in minimal proportions, you have to be extra careful about the alignment and organization of the elements. This comes only when the design has a strong backbone and grid. The components should not be placed haywire but in an order which leads to a larger idea or purpose. Also, it is not essential that everything should go in the center as there are many other possibilities which can be explored.

By now you would have definitely realized that minimal design is not minimal effort and is clearly not putting away with some design elements. Minimalist web design requires keen insight, an eye for detail and a wild imagination. It is a big task for every designer and thus requires immense skill and patience to work with different combinations before boiling down to one design.

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