How to Properly Layout A Website (For Beginners)

Summary

In this video, the presenter outlines fundamental principles for creating effective website layouts, emphasizing the importance of separating content into distinct rows, each representing a unique idea. They advocate for a content-first approach, where the layout adapts to the provided material. The video covers various layout examples, such as hero sections and two-column arrangements, while also highlighting the necessity of incorporating additional elements like headings and calls to action. By following these guidelines, designers can enhance user experience and produce polished, user-friendly websites.

Takeaways

• 😀 Each webpage is composed of distinct rows, with each row representing a single idea for clarity.
• 🎨 Rows should have visually distinct backgrounds to enhance user experience and avoid monotony.
• 📏 Incorporate vertical padding (50 to 80 pixels) in each row to improve readability and aesthetics.
• 📝 Start with content first; the layout should adapt to the content rather than forcing content into a pre-existing layout.
• 🌟 Use a hero section on homepages to create a powerful first impression with a background image and a clear call to action.
• 📸 Incorporate images alongside text in two-column layouts to avoid overwhelming users with large blocks of text.
• 🔍 Ensure every section has a clear heading to enhance scannability and purpose.
• 🔄 Be flexible and creative with client-provided content; sometimes adding headings or call-to-action statements is necessary for effective layouts.
• ⚖️ Maintain consistency across subpages with title sections that are visually distinct yet cohesive.
• 🚀 Design trends evolve, so stay updated on current practices to ensure user-friendly and familiar layouts.

Q & A

What was the initial challenge the speaker faced when designing a website?

The speaker was presented with a blank canvas and struggled with how to begin, finding that nothing they attempted seemed to work.

What does the speaker suggest as a key principle for laying out a page?

Every page should be made up of rows, each representing a separate idea. This helps in organizing content clearly and improves user experience.

Why is it important to have visually distinct rows in a website layout?

Visually distinct rows help users differentiate between ideas and improve readability, which enhances the overall user experience.

What background color does the speaker recommend for light-colored websites?

The speaker suggests using a light gray background with the hex value f7f7f7 for better visual distinction.

How does the speaker recommend handling vertical padding in rows?

The speaker recommends using vertical padding of 50 to 80 pixels to make the layout cleaner and more readable.

What is the order of importance when designing a website layout?

Content should always come first; the layout should be determined based on the content provided rather than fitting content into a pre-existing layout.

What type of section is recommended for the homepage?

The speaker suggests using a hero section for the homepage, which typically includes a large background image, a heading, a paragraph, and a button.

What common practice does the speaker mention regarding client content?

The speaker notes that client content often requires additions or modifications, such as headings or call-to-action elements, to create effective layouts.

How should subpages be approached in terms of layout?

Subpages should have a consistent title section, which is shorter than the homepage hero section, and should summarize the page's content succinctly.

What layout style is suggested for the contact page?

For the contact page, the speaker suggests using a single column large text row style, followed by a contact form.