1. Content is King
A user sifts through a website to find information in most cases. Content, whether in the form of text, video, or images, brings in visitors to a website. While designing a page, it is thus crucial to avoid material that overpowers the available content. This allows the focus to remain on content.
2. Effective use of space
Whitespace is the empty gap between the various elements on a page, like photos, videos, and text. Too many elements packed into a webpage make it look cluttered. In such cases, a visitor can be overwhelmed and might be rendered clueless about where to find what he/she is looking for.
Using space adds balance to the page. Remember that you can highlight key elements on a site through the proper use of this technique.
3. Vivid images and pictures
A minimalist design is not the same as a simple design without pictures. The effective utilization of photographs and images can help in creating a powerful impact on users. Inculcating prominent hero images and communicating a message to visiting traffic is an essential aspect of minimalist design.
The point to note here is that the portraits should highlight your offerings to customers and not play the role of a backdrop. You can use infographics, charts, and graphs to get your message across more effectively.
4. Striking text
The text used on a website needs to be striking enough so that it gets highlighted. You can achieve this by using typography to the best effect. Fonts that are easy to read and written in bold fulfill this requirement.
Even if you do not have too many images on a page, typography can still help you achieve your objective of bringing in visitors. Most website designers prefer to use Sans Serif fonts since they project a clean look.
Another key aspect to consider is how the fonts would appear on a mobile screen. Since most users access the internet through their smartphones, it is important to ensure that the fonts you use present well on a mobile device.
5. Use minimal colors
There is no doubt that the use of colors can make a page look more eye-catching to a visitor. It is ideal to use two shades, and they need not be just black and white. You can apply the principle of minimalism here by using a bright color to accent elements with a neutral color, like black and white, as the background hue. What you need to keep in mind is that the resulting effect should not distract the visitor from your content.
6. Reduce the page count
Too many pages of a website can put off a visitor. Most people don’t have the time to browse through several pages. Since the mantra of minimalism is ‘less is more’, a fewer number of sites makes more sense and enhance the user experience.
7. Use an above-fold design
In design, the above-fold refers to the first half of the screen. Most users may not scroll down a webpage to view what’s in the below-fold or lower half of the page. There could be important details in this particular section, like a call to action or your contact information.
You need to ensure that a key element, like the call to action, is located in the above-fold portion. This will catch the attention of your visitors even if they do not scroll down enough to explore the second half of the page.
8. Let the design revolve around a grid
A grid layout can be incredibly helpful in organizing your page. Using a grid allows you to ensure an elegant balance between the various elements on a page while arranging them. It assists you with the user interface and enables you to achieve consistency.
9. Ensure balance through symmetry
Symmetry refers to the arrangement of text, images, and videos on a page. Horizontal symmetry is where both the left and right sides of the page are balanced. Approximate symmetry can be used to place one large element on one side (like a photo) with smaller text on the other side.
Asymmetry is another option where there is no defined symmetry. You need to use it carefully. If not exploited in the right way, it can end up creating unwanted clutter on the screen.
10. Simple navigation
Navigation helps to make a website more user-friendly. The user-interface must be simple and easy to use, and a visitor should be able to find menu options on the screen quickly.
A popular navigation technique is the hamburger menu. A three-lined icon (resembling a hamburger) is placed on a corner of the screen. When clicked, the entire menu is displayed. The benefit of using this is that it gives you more space to include more.
