The Minimalist Guide To Making Minimalist Websites
Minimalist websites look really awesome, often even better than "heavy" web designs. To be blunt, they kick ass. This is due to quite a few things, which I have collected in this "mini" guide about minimalist web designs, so that you don't need to go through the "heavy" guides and tutorials.
Awesome typography by Jason Santa Maria
Typography is King
In a minimalist design, don't you dare skrew up the typography. It is just about the most important part of the design, since there aren't many graphics and the other usual crap. So choose a font that is stylish, readable, and that suits your design. 'Nuff said.
The icons on Jon Phillips' blog make for a nice touch.
Detail is Queen
Because there aren't many heavy graphics and elements in the design, you need to add details to the areas that make sense and make those details perfect. This means putting pretty icons where they're needed, for example, and adding anything else that helps the design and doesn't take it over.
The super-cool Bloggingstream WordPress Theme by Woothemes, here in action on Mike Stopforth's blog.
Layout Rules The Show
It is helpful to use a grid system to create a pretty layout, as the overall layout is extremely important. It shows when a column is off or out of place. Sort out the layout beforehand, preferably with a pencil and paper, and then stick to it. You'll be glad you did.
Everything is neat and tidy.
We All Need Order
Keep everything tidy, 'coz people don't really like to visit a pig's sty. This goes hand in hand with the layout, but it is important to emphasize it again. Make the design uniform (don't make every single button on the whole damn site look different, just for the sake of it, because how are people supposed to know whether it's a button then?) and orderly, and stray away from clutter.
There is plenty of whitespace on Max Voltar's blog.
And Last But Not Least, Meet Whitespace
Minimalist designs rely hugely on whitespace, so be generous. Whitespace is a good thing since it gives the viewer a place to rest their eyes on, and it makes the whole site less overwhelming to read.
This post barely touches on the main principles behind minimalist web design. There is a truckload that I could still add here, but instead I thought it would be cool if you would add your top tips. So, what else do you deem important about minimalist websites? Tell us!
Comments
totally!
I really thank to one who wrote this article. I have always been reading and writing texts like this in blogs. Also, I, as a daily writer, present my respects to everyone. I just watched videos like this in video izle. I research in all areas.
I think people must first research before writing...
More tips:
One page, one focus. That means one idea or call-to-action per page. Not 6. Not even 3. Just one.
Your audience is already multi-tasking (spouse, dog/kid,phone, tv, boss). The last thing they need is a page of mixed and undifferentiated choices. Sure they want some choice, but presumably you provide that with clean, simple navigation. You still need to point them in the most logical direction.
Study posters and billboards. The most striking ones use the simplest composition.
Edit like a Visigoth. Make every element earn its place on the page. Or delete it.
Thank you Belinda, those are some great additions.
The tip with one call-to-action per page is excellent and extremely important, and it applies to almost any type of site. I have noticed myself that when there is only one first step, I am more likely to complete the process.
Great article, short and simple to grasp, it's certainly given me some ideas to think about!
@Belinda, nice bit of advice, its something that is often overlooked, especially on a front page!
Glad to hear that it gave you some ideas, Nick! :)
nice article. :) i love minimalist designs!
Thanks Xun. Me too! :P
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In my opinion, people should research first and write then.
Regards.
These are very good tips. I also prefer simple layout over the heavy designs. I like a clean look on a website, just like yours. Thanks! :)
Thanks for sharing. Love the last tip!
Very good post! I hate heavy websites where you don't know where to go. Straight to the point well design minimalist website are simply the best!
Hey buddy, how are you? just dropped by so see how you were doing (that sounded really spammy isn't it?).
Cool article, but I think that none of these sites are truly minimalist. Come on, specially Santa Maria's site. If we think about minimalism as the truly essential form along with ocassional multiplicity of it (like Sol Lewitt's works) none of these sites are truly minimalist. In fact, the only sites that are truly minimalistic are the ones produced by Loyal
http://www.thisisloyal.com/
Go ahead, take a look, for example http://www.natl.tv
Type, the proper illustration, nothing else. Absolute winner. I think their work is cool because they serve a lot of motion graphic agencies and it's the work of the latter what must be showcased. It would be silly if they designed a full blown illustrated site. That can work perfectly for personal portfolios but in this case the work of their clients is what really matters.
All the best!
Hey, thanks a ton for featuring my 'infrequently' updated blog! Nice article! :)
I totally agree with Belinda (a few comment above this one) the readers and visitors are busy enough already, so it's always a good idea to minimize things and it gives a better user experience in my opinion.
Hey Elio... natl.tv i really great~! tx for posting :)
I loved these designs :) tks!!
Wow, thanks for those very useful tips. I actually prefer a simple website. Too much colors strain my eyes. White spaces are a must :)
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These are very good tips. I also prefer simple layout over the heavy designs. I like a clean look on a website, just like yours. Thanks! :)
Minimalist for me is intelligently and elegantly created. I prefer it rather than over and exaggerated designs. Keep it up!!!
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website design
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Thanks for sharing these info with us! I was reading something similar on youtube website that i was researching. thanks...
I like your point about maximising the detail in graphics due to the fact the design is minimal.
One useful point I'd liek to raise to your readers is that it is better to lean towards white/ light colours in the design. WHY? Because with modern PCs, Macs and iPhones etc having glossy or glass screens, black or dark designs highlight fingerprints, dust, glare and this detracts from the overall web experience and design.
Just as advertisements form part of your "content" to users, I think design colours and screen glare/ dust/ fingerprints also need to be a design choice factor.
Excellent examples of white/ light designs are: www.teNriA.com | www.Apple.com | www.CK.com and www.Dior.com
Great blog post--very inspirational and informative!
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