How to Evaluate a Web Page Design

• Step 1

  Check if the web page design is balanced. Many users feel that a web page looks more professional if it is balanced properly. Symmetrical means the page is a mirror image. Asymmetrical means the page is still balanced without being a mirror image. For example, if a web page loads with bright colors and heavy graphics on one side, but it does not have anything on the other side of the page, the page is not balanced. However, you can balance the page asymmetrically by adding links or something else to fill the other side. Both of these would work for balancing a web page design.

• Step 2

  Look at the color and contrast. Good web page designers choose colors that flow with the idea of the web page. For example, a web page about rose perfume might include light, delicate colors like pink, light green and cream. A web designer also could choose a different scheme such as bold red, black and gold. A marketing firm or financial information web page might be designed in white and green, since green is the color of money. A web page about babysitting probably should not be designed with depressing colors, such as black or dark red, but would look more welcoming if designed in a rainbow of bright colors, such as green, red, blue, yellow and purple.

• Step 3

  Look at the links. The links should be in an area on the page that will stand out to the viewer, such as right below the header, or evenly aligned on either side of the page. Some designers will create graphic buttons for their links. Each button has the same design as the next, but the designer can alternate between two designs. Check the links to make sure they are working properly.

• Step 4

  Look for a focal point. This might be the main graphic on the web page, a colorful header or a new product. The focal point should be designed with colors contrasting from the background of the page to make the object or words stand out above the rest. The focal point is the area your viewers see first. It is the component that draws their eyes in. Your focal point should convey the most important message you want to send out when a viewer comes to your page, such as a slogan, current sale price or a new product.

• Step 5

  Consider all the design concepts and evaluate the page accordingly. If there are broken links, broken images, poor color choices or an overall bad layout, these are signs that this web page was poorly designed. Pages that are designed well show a viewer that a company is serious and professional.

• 1
• Using light colors for text, such as yellow or orange, on a white background can be a bad choice because it is not easy for a viewer to read. The same goes for using dark text on black backgrounds. Text should be easy to read and not put a strain on a viewer's eyes. If a web page layout looks odd, try viewing it in a different browser. However, it is always best if a web page looks the same in all browsers.
• Using light colors for text, such as yellow or orange, on a white background can be a bad choice because it is not easy for a viewer to read. The same goes for using dark text on black backgrounds. Text should be easy to read and not put a strain on a viewer's eyes.
• If a web page layout looks odd, try viewing it in a different browser. However, it is always best if a web page looks the same in all browsers.
• Professional web pages will not contain spam or multiple pop-up ads. Never download something from a web page if you do not know exactly what it is and that it is safe.
• Professional web pages will not contain spam or multiple pop-up ads.
• Never download something from a web page if you do not know exactly what it is and that it is safe.

References & Resources

• Palomar College: Balance Symmetry
• Web Developer's Notes: Good Web Page Design
• Jakob Nielsen's Alert Box: "Top 10 Mistakes in Web Design"
• Ratz: Web Design Features