I would like to start the article by comparing the layout of the site with a sketch for a work of art. Each painting, one way or another, begins with a sketch. It is in its space that the main thought process takes place, it is with its help that the concept is drawn, and everything else is just a matter of technology. The same thing happens in the process of the website development - it starts with the layout.
The layout design forms the basis of the future site and the entire further development process largely depends on the level of its elaboration. The more thoroughly and more detailed the visual design will be developed, the easier, more correct and faster the website will be created.
Website development includes many stages, each of which must be carried out sequentially, accurately and in conjunction with the others. Therefore, this process requires the involvement of specialists of various profiles, namely:
A designer who works on the visual design, including the layout;
A layout designer who works on preparing a layout for a programmer, namely transforms it into the necessary format;
A programmer who works on the "internals" of the site;
Usability specialist, whose competence is to provide users with the convenience of using the site. This specialist analyzes, tests and, if necessary, makes corrections;
Marketing specialist who determines the location of the site components responsible for targeted actions;
Copywriter who works on text content.
As you can see, absolutely different specialists put their hand to the design layout, but this is exactly how this one will be as effective and useful as possible.
Thus, the development of the site design layout is an integral part of the technical assignment. This is a necessary document for the correct development and implementation of any project. The main function of the technical document is the planning of the workflow, however, in addition to this, it is also a guarantor of trust for the client. If there is a technical assignment, the client feels much calmer and more confident in fulfilling the order on time and taking into account all its conditions.
So, within the framework of the technical assignment, the client is provided with several options for layouts, one of which is approved and further sets the tone for the development. In this context, I would like to define the main types of layouts:
• "Rubbery" - this layout allows you to automatically stretch all elements of the page, completely filling the width of the screen;
• Fixed - elements of such a layout are usually static, only the background has the ability to stretch;
• Responsive - transforms according to the diagonal of the browser window, can change the width of the blocks, font size, etc.
Let's take a look at the benefits of designing a website layout. So, you can once again be convinced of the need and importance of this component:
Provides an opportunity to identify and remove deficiencies at the initial stage of development;
Simplifies and optimizes the work of the layout designer and programmer;
Allows you to see the finished "picture" of the site in advance;
Through the layout, the client can clearly see the proposals of the designer, his creative thought. Show once is much more effective than explaining a hundred times.
Minimizes friction between designer and client.
As a conclusion, I would like to note that when the layout is completely satisfactory to all participants in the development, a positive result is inevitable.
Each layout is individual and unique, in fact, it is created for this, but there are a number of components that each contains:
• Page settings. This can also include borders and padding, as well as the distance between the blocks of the page;
• Number and location of blocks;
• Color selection for the website, background design;
• Design of graphic elements;
• Decoration of elements such as header, footer and sidebar.
Careful elaboration of all these elements can save a lot of time and financial resources. This is due to the fact that the layout designer and programmer will not have to spend time decoding the layout. In addition, the number of errors is minimized, which will also require resources to fix.
If you have already developed a corporate identity, it will also be taken into account in the development of the site, and if not, we advise you to order a website layout design in conjunction with the development of a corporate identity. So, it will be possible to promote the site as efficiently as possible and thereby stand out from competitors.
High-quality design is the very tool that allows you to achieve uniqueness, individuality and weight in the Internet space. Hundreds of sites appear every day, among which only impeccable design will help you stand out. This is the main argument in favor of creating a website layout design. As we said at the beginning of the article, without a sketch, an impressive work of art cannot be born or, in our case, a memorable, original site that will outshine the competition.
As a result of a carefully planned and well-executed layout, a site can appear that is impressive not only visually, but also functionally. Such a site will definitely increase conversions and, therefore, bring the desired result in the form of income.