ReportWire

Tag: Web Design

  • Want to Start a Website? These Are the Best Website Builders

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    Top Website Builders

    Best for Most People

    Squarespace Core

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    Best Cheap Website Builder

    Hostinger Website Builder

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    Best for Small Business

    Strikingly Core

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    Best Free Website Builder

    Strikingly Website Builder

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    Publishing a website is still more complicated than it has any right to be, but the best website builders streamline the process. Instead of juggling a bunch of files on a server and learning the ins and outs of networking, website builders do exactly what’s written on the tin. Piece by piece, using a drag-and-drop interface, you can design your website the way you want with immediate feedback, rather than spending time buried in code and hoping it comes out on the other end.

    There are dozens of website builders, and most of them range from decent to straight-up bad. Any web host with a bit of ambition has a website builder floating around, even if it’s slow, clunky, and lacking features. I focused on finding the best tools for building your website that go beyond just an add-on, and these are my favorites. If you’re after something simpler than a full-blown website, check out our list of the Best Portfolio Websites.

    Table of Contents

    Best Website Builder for Most

    Squarespace via Jacob Roach

    You’ve heard of Squarespace over and over again, I’m sure, and that’s not an accident. It’s an inviting website builder that made a name for itself with bold, striking templates. Beneath the veneer of attractive, but seemingly simple, websites, you’ll find one of the most capable website builders on the market. That balance of power and usability is what sets Squarespace apart.

    It feels like a creative tool. Where other website builders lag and stutter to get a new element on your page, Squarespace feels fluid. Your dashboard gives you quick access to edit your site, and around every corner, Squarespace feels designed so you never have to look up a tutorial. I started a simple photography website, and within an hour, I had a custom course page set up, an appointment schedule with automated confirmation emails, and services (with pricing and the ability to accept payments) configured.

    Squarespace isn’t cheap, but it also doesn’t meddle in restrictive, low-cost plans. Even on the Basic plan, you have access to ecommerce tools and space for multiple contributors.

    Squarespace Pricing and Plans

    Best Cheap Website Builder

    Hostinger via Jacob Roach

    Hostinger is better known as a web hosting provider, but it has a surprisingly robust website builder that you can use on its own or for free as part of a hosting package. You don’t get the same world-class template design and dense feature-set of a more expensive builder like Squarespace, but that’s OK. Hostinger’s website builder will run you just a few bucks a month, and based on my testing, it feels heavily angled toward newcomers.

    You sacrifice some power for convenience, but there’s an awful lot you can accomplish with Hostinger. Integrations with PayPal, Stripe, and Square allow you to quickly set up e-commerce. Add-ons with WhatsApp give you live chat capabilities, and Printful support means you can sell print-on-demand merchandise. And, if you outgrow the website builder, Hostinger allows you to export your website’s content to WordPress.

    Where Hostinger wins for me is through its AI tools. Just about every website builder these days has AI integrated in some way, but it’s around every corner at Hostinger. You need to pay extra for some of these AI features—the logo generator, for example, requires credits—but they give you a great starting point for mocking up the look, feel, and tone of your website.

    Hostinger Pricing and Plans

    Best for Small Businesses

    Wix via Jacob Roach

    Wix is undoubtedly the biggest competitor to Squarespace, and I had a hard time putting one above the other. Ultimately, Wix ended up in the backseat due to higher prices and a slightly less intuitive interface. That’s partly because of how powerful Wix is. Rather than corral you in an elegant (if restrictive) website-building workflow, Wix gives you a ton of options.

    First, templates. You get a few hundred elsewhere, but Wix offers over 2,000 templates. At the time of writing, there are 223 pages of them on Wix’s website. They aren’t all winners, but I was able to mock up a quick photography portfolio website within a few minutes by browsing the templates and uploading a few photos.

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    Jacob Roach

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  • How to Design an Eye-Catching Website That Truly Captures Your Audience | Entrepreneur

    How to Design an Eye-Catching Website That Truly Captures Your Audience | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Modern-day websites represent the culmination of years of technological advancement and scientific research, forming incredible symphonies of code and servers that define the internet. However, these digital platforms are also highly expressive art forms. Similar to music or theater, the rules governing a “well-designed website” are in constant flux.

    Consider Spotify Wrapped, for instance. If everyone’s most-streamed songs were consistently the same year-over-year, it wouldn’t be very exciting, would it? Instead, interests evolve and websites are no exception.

    Users now anticipate different things from modern websites compared to 10 or even five years ago. They prioritize accessibility more than ever and are moving away from the thin fonts and minimalistic designs of the 2010s.

    If you aim to design websites that captivate your visitors and engage your audience, staying ahead of these trends is essential. Your website is your storefront on the internet — an indispensable extension of your brand. You wouldn’t want it to appear dated, would you?

    Related: 8 Tips to Make Your Website More Sticky

    Animated hover effects

    Motion has long been a crucial element of high-quality UI design, and that trend isn’t fading away anytime soon. Users increasingly expect high levels of interactivity from the sites they visit. They desire fluid animations and clear signals when elements like buttons and menus are interactive. Enter “hover effects.”

    Graza, a trendy olive oil brand, incorporates hover animations throughout its website. Buttons exhibit interesting depth and images seamlessly transform into videos with a simple wave of your mouse pointer. Other websites may take hover animations to the next level with effects that follow your mouse, revealing additional information or changing the design as your pointer navigates the landing page.

    Implementing this trend is easier said than done. Poorly-executed complex animations can be distracting. On a technical level, slow animations can make your website appear dated and may even harm your SEO performance. Instead, aim to use animations thoughtfully and judiciously. Create interactions that excite and delight, but don’t add these effects just for the sake of having them.

    Dark, futuristic websites

    In recent years, Apple has been showcasing its “Pro” series of products with dark, futuristic landing pages. Check out the iPhone 15 Pro’s product page and you’ll notice vibrant colors set against a dark background. This has been a growing trend for years, one that continues to gain momentum.

    This website design leverages the highlighting effect of black and black-adjacent backgrounds to emphasize vibrant, almost “neon” colors. Figma and Github also embrace this style for various landing pages and features. Others commonly use it to promote conferences and events, as well. This isn’t a trend exclusive to tech companies, either. Fashion brands, often on the cutting edge of design, are adopting it too. Nike created a vibrant community website using their “volt yellow” color against a futuristic dark design.

    Remember, this trend is all about dark backgrounds, bright colors and sharp angles. When designing a website this way, aim to create something that feels like it’s from 3023, not 2023.

    Related: How Modern Technology is Rewriting the Rules of Marketing

    Typography-first design

    Arguably, the most crucial part of a website has always been its content — that’s why people visit a website, after all. Modern design acknowledges this with large, beautiful fonts that capture visitors’ attention and quickly convey the necessary information.

    Gumroad, for example, utilizes typography in an almost magazine-like way, creating a website that feels exceptionally fresh and modern. In fact, magazines are an excellent example of this trend. Websites that utilize a typography-first design approach use large, creative and attention-grabbing fonts in a thoughtful way, much like a high-end magazine, to create a unique experience centered around information.

    The key takeaway here is that these websites feel “modern” in a way that minimalism no longer does. Audiences, especially Gen Z members, have developed an appetite for maximalist designs. This trend is a trend you’ll quickly notice when walking up and down the aisles of Whole Foods.

    Gradients

    Sticking with the “maximalist” theme is the unsurprising revival of gradients. Modern audiences love bright, interesting colors and gradients are the ideal vehicle to deliver those colors.

    Stripe has long used gradients in its branding, featuring a lava lamp-esque animated gradient on its homepage for quite some time now. Spotify, too, has always embraced striking gradients as part of its well-regarded design language.

    The common thread among these websites is the liberal use of exciting, brand-oriented colors. These gradients accentuate other design elements and can help present a brand’s website as friendlier and more inviting.

    Related: Website Builder Features That Will Boost Your Agency’s Bottom Line

    Putting it all together

    A perceptive observer may notice that many of the example websites listed above incorporate a mix of these upcoming design trends. That’s the real secret to website design — knowing which trends to use and, more importantly, when. While it’s crucial to create designs that feel fresh and modern, you also want to ensure that your decisions respect and empower your brand.

    Luckily, once you figure out where the pieces fit, implementing these design trends becomes a breeze. A drag-and-drop website, offering flexibility and access to front-end code, can empower your team to craft cutting-edge designs that keep you ahead of the curve.

    Take some time to consider your next steps, experiment a bit and start building. You wouldn’t want these trends to go stale.

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    Itai Sadan

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  • How to Ensure Your Website Succeeds in the Experience Economy | Entrepreneur

    How to Ensure Your Website Succeeds in the Experience Economy | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In an era where consumer expectations are perpetually in a state of renewal, products and services can no longer afford to be just functional or aesthetically pleasing; they must also deliver exceptional experiences. In the age of the experience economy, a period where the line between the tangible and the intangible has blurred, the spotlight is squarely on the experience that a brand can offer.

    Consumers are no longer simply purchasing a product but investing in experiences that can shape perceptions, evoke emotions and foster long-lasting relationships. The shift is irrevocable and brings new challenges and opportunities for digital designers.

    Related: The New Rules Of Customer Experience

    What is the experience economy?

    The experience economy is transforming how we interact with physical and digital environments. This lens focuses on the entire ecosystem of experiences that surround our actions. When you step into a café, for instance, you’re not just purchasing a latte — you’re stepping into a crafted ambiance that encapsulates the aroma of freshly ground coffee, the comfortable seating, the curated playlist and even the art on the walls. It’s this broader experience that you’re buying into, not just a simple transaction for goods or services.

    The experience economy doesn’t just stop at physical spaces. Its principles extend into the digital realm, fundamentally altering how websites, apps and technologies are designed. User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designers at our own agency have advocated for building and designing experiences as opposed to solely designing a website or digital interface. With user-centric design, there is a greater emphasis on the emotions and immersive feeling that users feel on their user journey.

    Essentially, in the experience economy, designers are not just shaping products or services; they are shaping the experiences that resonate on a deep, emotional level with consumers. Whether it’s the ease of navigating a mobile app or the visual splendor of an interactive website, each element is fulfilling a memorable experience. How can one ensure their website is up-to-par with the experience economy?

    Create immersive and dynamic visuals

    User participation should factor in to ensure that your users can undergo an experience. Users are actively participating simply by navigating the website itself, however, incorporating immersive and dynamic features can elevate that experience to greater heights. To craft an immersive and dynamic website, designers must leverage a blend of animations, user interactions, microinteractions and other engaging elements. Thoughtfully executed animations can bring a site to life, guiding users’ attention and offering smooth transitions between sections.

    Interactive elements — such as hover effects, parallax scrolling and responsive buttons — enhance user engagement, ensuring that every click, swipe or scroll is met with a satisfying response. Layered with high-quality imagery, video backgrounds, and adaptive typography, these features contribute to a fluid user experience that not only retains visitor attention but also makes navigation intuitive and immersive. The key lies in ensuring these elements are cohesively integrated and allow the user to feel as though they are running their own experience. Consider if your website attains these key factors to increase the interest of your users, and create a new layer of memorability for your company’s digital presence.

    Related: How You Can Turn Your Website Into a Web Experience

    Attain a cohesive theme

    A huge factor that plays into an experience is if the experience itself feels cohesive and polished and has a theme or over-arching cohesive elements. According to an article by The Harvard Business Review, a purposefully curated theme drives the overall experience toward something integrated. As the article states, “An effective theme is concise and compelling. It is not a corporate mission statement or a marketing tagline. It needn’t be publicly articulated in writing. But the theme must drive all the design elements and staged events of the experience toward a unified storyline that wholly captivates the customer.”

    Regarding web experiences, you want to ensure that your website or digital product is cohesive with a seamless “theme” or a design language. Effective design captures the essence of immersion, evoking strong emotions and engagement. A unified visual and narrative presentation enhances memorability, reinforcing your brand’s story. Moreover, ensuring that your digital product aligns harmoniously with other branding materials and your social media presence amplifies this sense of cohesion, creating an even more impactful experience for your audience.

    Bridge an emotional connection

    Today’s users expect digital interactions tailored to their preferences, needs and behaviors. Personalization transcends merely addressing a user by their first name; it’s about curating content, design elements and user pathways that resonate on an individual level. Achieving this requires a combination of data analytics to understand user behaviors, AI-driven algorithms for dynamic content suggestions and user-centric design principles. As businesses invest in creating personalized web experiences, they not only foster deeper connections with their audience but also position themselves advantageously in a competitive digital marketplace.

    Not only does a personalized website feel much more catered to users’ needs quickly and effectively, but it also furthers the experience aspect because it feels personalized to the individual. The Harvard Business Review states, “…Experiences are inherently personal, existing only in the mind of an individual who has been engaged on an emotional, physical, intellectual, or even spiritual level. Thus, no two people can have the same experience.” Experiences are personal because of how they make the user feel, and they attach emotions, connotations and associations, particularly when an experience feels made for their personal enjoyment.

    To make your website feel personalized to cater to human emotion, there are many small design approaches to consider. This includes dynamic content display by presenting content tailored to individual users or segments. For example, a shopping site might showcase products based on browsing history.

    Through adaptive design, cohesive themes and a genuine emotional connection, websites can truly become more than digital platforms — they can become experiences that shape perceptions and foster loyalty.

    Related: Use These Web Design Tricks to Grow Your Business Exponentially

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    Goran Paun

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  • Bring Your Website to Life with This Discounted AI Photo Editor | Entrepreneur

    Bring Your Website to Life with This Discounted AI Photo Editor | Entrepreneur

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    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    If you’re trying to engage your audience and get them interested in what your business offers, you should be talking to your design team. High-quality images don’t just add color to a page; they can catalyze your customers to act. A recent case study even found that larger product images can increase conversion by up to 9%.

    You don’t need a professional designer to turn your product pictures and backgrounds into art. Just use Luminar NEO and let AI help spruce up your photos and excite your customers. Usually, you’d have to pay $400 for the Luminar Neo Lifetime Bundle, but for a limited time, you can get it for the best price online at $79.97 during the Flash Sale.

    Luminar Neo is an award-winning AI app that gives you the tools to make professional-quality photo edits without professional-level experience. This AI-powered app can plug into Photoshop and Lightroom, or you can use it independently without investing in expensive art software.

    Once you have a photo opened up in Luminar, you can make major edits at the push of a button, and the AI makes it look seamless. Replace the sky. Enhance your background. Change the lighting of a photo so your product photo looks like it was taken in natural lighting instead of an office. You can even edit portraits in seconds. Retouch or remove blemishes, wipe away dark circles, and more.

    With this bundle, you also get a set of exciting add-ons that let you customize your photos further. The Champions Bundle gives you new tools to edit lighting or color grading, while the Emerald Forest and Fluffy Clouds add-ons give you elements you can add to your pictures.

    If you want to add some life to your website and social or launch your side hustle, get creative with AI’s help.

    Get the Award-Winning Luminar Neo Lifetime Bundle price dropped to $79.97 (reg. $400) through July 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT during the Flash Sale — no coupon needed.

    Prices subject to change.

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    Entrepreneur Store

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  • How to Master the Art of Persuasion in UI/UX Design | Entrepreneur

    How to Master the Art of Persuasion in UI/UX Design | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Persuasion in UI/UX design refers to the intentional use of design elements, techniques and psychological principles to influence and encourage users to take specific actions or make desired decisions. It involves crafting the user experience in a way that motivates and convinces users to engage, convert or adopt a particular behavior.

    Persuasive design aims to create a seamless and compelling user journey by leveraging visual, interactive and informational cues that guide users toward desired actions or outcomes. The ultimate goal is to nudge users towards a positive experience, conversions or achieving their goals while aligning with the business objectives of the product or service.

    Related: The Power of Persuasion: Using Brain Science to Get Users to Act

    9 powerful techniques for creating a persuasive UI/UX design

    1. Clear and compelling calls-to-action (CTAs):

    Calls-to-action are essential elements in UI/UX design that prompt users to take specific actions. To make CTAs persuasive:

    • Design visually prominent and attention-grabbing CTAs that stand out from other elements on the page.

    • Use action-oriented language that clearly communicates the desired action and its benefits.

    • Incorporate persuasive elements such as urgency, exclusivity or incentives to encourage immediate engagement.

    2. Visual hierarchy and information presentation:

    The visual hierarchy and presentation of information greatly influence user engagement. To optimize this:

    • Guide users’ attention through the effective visual hierarchy by arranging elements based on their importance and relevance.

    • Use visual cues such as colors, size and positioning to emphasize important information and guide users’ focus.

    • Present information in a clear, concise and scannable manner to facilitate quick understanding and decision-making.

    3. Social proof and social influence:

    Leveraging social proof and social influence can significantly impact user behavior. Consider the following techniques:

    • Showcase testimonials, reviews and ratings to establish credibility and trustworthiness.

    • Incorporate social sharing buttons and recommendations to encourage users to share and engage with the content.

    • Highlight user-generated content and success stories to create a sense of community and validation.

    4. Personalization and tailored experiences:

    Personalized experiences can enhance user engagement and satisfaction. Consider the following strategies:

    • Utilize user data to deliver personalized content, recommendations or product suggestions.

    • Create adaptive interfaces that adjust based on user preferences and behavior, providing tailored experiences.

    • Customize interactions based on user demographics, past behavior or stated preferences to increase relevance and engagement.

    5. Gamification and interactive elements:

    Gamification techniques can make the user experience more enjoyable and engaging. Consider the following approaches:

    • Incorporate game-like elements such as progress bars, badges or rewards to motivate users and create a sense of achievement.

    • Reward users for specific actions or milestones to encourage continued engagement and completion of desired tasks.

    • Create interactive and immersive experiences through interactive quizzes, challenges or interactive storytelling.

    6. Persuasive copywriting and microcopy:

    The language and copy used in UI/UX design play a vital role in influencing user behavior. To make copy more persuasive:

    • Craft compelling headlines and taglines that communicate value and capture user attention.

    • Use persuasive language that focuses on the benefits and outcomes users can expect.

    • Optimize microcopy, such as button labels or form field instructions, to guide users and reduce friction in the interaction.

    7. Scarcity and urgency tactics:

    Creating a sense of scarcity and urgency can prompt users to take immediate action. Consider the following tactics:

    • Highlight limited-time offers, exclusive deals or limited availability to create a sense of scarcity.

    • Incorporate countdowns or timers to instill a sense of urgency and encourage prompt decision-making.

    • Communicate the potential loss or missed opportunities if users do not take action quickly.

    8. User feedback and social engagement:

    Engaging users and encouraging feedback can foster a sense of community and increase user involvement. Consider the following strategies:

    • Provide channels for users to leave feedback, suggestions or comments on the interface or content.

    • Foster social engagement by incorporating interactive features such as comments, forums or user-generated content.

    • Leverage user-generated content to showcase real-world examples and create a sense of authenticity and trust.

    9. Ethical considerations in persuasive design:

    While employing persuasive techniques, it’s crucial to maintain ethical standards. Consider the following ethical considerations:

    • Balance persuasion with transparency and honesty, clearly communicating the intentions and outcomes of user actions.

    • Ensure inclusivity and accessibility in design, considering diverse user needs and abilities.

    • Respect user autonomy by providing clear choices and options, avoiding manipulative tactics.

    Related: What Makes Copy Persuasive?

    Case studies of successful companies that use persuasive UI/UX design

    Case study 1: Slack’s onboarding process

    Objective: Increase user adoption and engagement during the onboarding process.

    Description: Slack, a popular team communication platform, implemented a persuasive onboarding process to effectively engage and retain users. They incorporated gamification elements by guiding users through a series of interactive tasks and providing rewards for completing them. Users were prompted to invite team members, set up channels and explore various features. Progress indicators and positive reinforcement messages were used to create a sense of achievement and progress.

    Results: Slack’s persuasive onboarding process led to higher user engagement and faster adoption rates. Users felt motivated to complete the tasks, resulting in improved activation and retention rates. The gamified approach encouraged exploration and understanding of the platform, making it easier for users to integrate Slack into their workflow.

    Case study 2: Duolingo’s language learning app

    Objective: Motivate users to consistently practice language learning and retain their interest.

    Description: Duolingo, a language learning app, implements persuasive design techniques to encourage users to regularly engage with the platform. They use progress bars and streak counters to visually represent users’ learning progress and maintain a sense of accomplishment. Duolingo incorporates social elements by allowing users to compete with friends and share achievements. Additionally, they employ notifications and reminders to nudge users to practice daily.

    Results: Duolingo’s persuasive design strategies have been highly successful in driving user engagement and retention. The visual progress indicators and social elements create a sense of community and motivation, leading to increased usage and consistent practice. The app’s addictive nature keeps users coming back for more, resulting in long-term retention and improved language learning outcomes.

    Case study 3: Airbnb’s booking flow

    Objective: Increase conversion rates and encourage users to complete the booking process.

    Description: Airbnb, an online marketplace for accommodation, implemented persuasive design techniques to streamline their booking flow and reduce user drop-offs. They optimized the form-filling experience by using auto-fill suggestions, reducing friction and saving users’ time. They strategically placed trust signals, such as verified reviews and secure payment logos, to instill confidence in users. Additionally, they utilized scarcity principles by displaying limited availability for highly demanded listings.

    Results: Airbnb’s persuasive design approach in their booking flow led to significant improvements in conversion rates. The streamlined form-filling process reduced user frustration and increased completion rates. By employing trust signals and scarcity tactics, they enhanced users’ trust in the platform and urgency to make a booking, resulting in higher conversion rates and revenue generation.

    These case studies highlight how persuasive UI/UX design can positively impact user behavior, engagement and conversions. By employing techniques such as gamification, progress indicators, social elements and trust signals, these companies have successfully influenced user actions and achieved their desired outcomes.

    Related: 3 Ways to Use the Power of Persuasion in Your Marketing

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    Taiwo Sotikare

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  • The Pros and Cons of Minimalism and Simplicity in Web Design | Entrepreneur

    The Pros and Cons of Minimalism and Simplicity in Web Design | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Minimalism has become one of the most prevalent trends in the creative industry, with its alternative, maximalism, being increasingly marginalized. A cursory glance at Google Trends shows that maximalism is not getting much attention, suggesting that minimalism is the holy grail of design. This trend is apparent across various industries, including graphic design, interior design, arts and others.

    This article aims to examine the advantages and drawbacks of minimalism in UI/UX design. By doing so, it will enable entrepreneurs to make informed decisions on what design approach is suitable for their business, instead of just flocking with the trends.

    Related: Use These Web Design Tricks to Grow Your Business Exponentially

    What is minimalism in web design?

    Minimalism is a design approach that emphasizes simplicity, clarity and a focus on the essential elements. It’s a design style that strives to remove all non-essential elements and distractions while prioritizing functionality and user experience.

    Minimalist design is commonly recognized by its limited use of color, flat design style and emphasis on typography and text. Some well-known examples of minimalist design in news websites include Entrepreneur.com, BusinessWorld.Africa and TechCrunch.com. In contrast, websites such as CNN.com, TheDailyBeast.com, and TheVerge.com can be classified as maximalist due to their use of bold, complex designs featuring rich visual elements, dynamic animations and interactive features.

    Below, we’ll discuss the benefits of minimalism in UI/UX design:

    Clarity and focus

    Minimalist design emphasizes simplicity, clarity and user focus. By eliminating unnecessary elements and simplifying the design, minimalist design helps users focus on essential features and content. This clarity and focus are essential for creating a positive user experience. Minimalist design can also make it easier for users to navigate the interface, reducing confusion and increasing user satisfaction.

    For example, the minimalist design of Google’s search engine emphasizes the search bar and search button, making it easy for users to find and use the search function. The minimalist design also makes it easier for Google to load the page quickly, improving the user experience.

    Faster loading speeds

    Minimalist design can improve loading speeds by reducing the number of elements on the page. By reducing the number of elements, minimalist design reduces the amount of data that needs to be loaded, resulting in faster load times. This faster loading speed can improve the user experience and reduce the likelihood of users abandoning the website or application due to slow loading times.

    For example, the minimalist design of Dropbox’s website eliminates unnecessary elements, resulting in a faster loading speed. This fast loading speed improves the user experience and makes it more likely that users will continue to use Dropbox.

    Consistency and branding

    Minimalist design can also improve consistency and branding by simplifying the design and focusing on essential elements. By eliminating unnecessary elements and emphasizing essential features, minimalist design can make it easier to create a consistent brand image across different platforms and devices. This consistency can help build brand recognition and increase user trust.

    For example, Apple’s minimalist design emphasizes the essential features of their products and creates a consistent brand image across different devices and platforms. This consistency has helped to build brand recognition and increase user trust in Apple’s products.

    Related: Learn Design Principles That Can Help Grow Your Business

    Increased user engagement

    Minimalist design can increase user engagement by simplifying the user interface and making it easier for users to interact with essential features. By reducing the number of distractions and focusing on essential features, minimalist design can encourage users to engage with the application or website.

    For example, the minimalist design of Instagram’s mobile application focuses on essential features such as photos, comments and likes. This focus on essential features makes it easier for users to engage with the application and encourages them to interact with other users.

    Mobile-friendly design

    Minimalist design is ideal for mobile devices due to its simplicity and focus on essential features. By eliminating unnecessary elements, minimalist design can make it easier to navigate and interact with essential features on small screens. This mobile-friendly design can improve the user experience and increase user engagement on mobile devices.

    For example, the minimalist design of Airbnb’s mobile application makes it easy for users to find and book accommodations on their mobile devices. This mobile-friendly design has helped to increase user engagement and has made Airbnb a popular choice for mobile users.

    Now that you know the benefits, let’s discuss the limitations of minimalism in UI/UX design:

    Lack of distinctive design

    Minimalist design often relies on a limited color palette, typography and other design elements. This limited range of design elements can make it challenging to create a distinctive design that stands out from other designs. When minimalist designs are overused, they can start to look generic and lack personality, making it difficult to differentiate a brand from competitors.

    For example, while Apple’s minimalist design has helped to create a consistent brand image, it has also been criticized for lacking personality and uniqueness, particularly in its recent product launches.

    Difficulty communicating complex information

    Minimalist design can be challenging when it comes to communicating complex information. Because minimalist designs often rely on simplicity, they can struggle to convey complex ideas or concepts effectively. As a result, designers need to be careful not to oversimplify their designs and risk losing critical information.

    For example, the minimalist design of some financial applications can make it difficult for users to find and understand important information such as investment performance or tax implications.

    Limited flexibility

    Minimalist design can be inflexible and challenging to adapt to new or changing needs. Because minimalist designs emphasize simplicity, designers may struggle to incorporate new features or elements without compromising the overall design’s simplicity. This limited flexibility can be particularly challenging in rapidly evolving industries where design needs to adapt quickly.

    For example, a minimalist design for a news website may struggle to incorporate new multimedia content or interactive features that are becoming more popular in the industry.

    Related: Usability First: Why You Should Pay Attention To User Experience

    Overemphasis on visual design

    Minimalist design can also overemphasize visual design at the expense of usability and functionality. Because minimalist design relies on simplicity and essential features, designers may prioritize visual design over usability, resulting in a less effective user experience. This overemphasis on visual design can result in a website or application that looks good but is difficult to use.

    For example, a minimalist design for a navigation bar may prioritize visual design over usability, resulting in a navigation bar that is challenging to use and understand.

    Potential for boredom and lack of engagement

    Minimalist design can also be challenging to maintain user engagement and excitement. Again, because minimalist designs often emphasize simplicity and essential features, there is a risk that users may become bored or disengaged if the design is too simplistic. Designers need to strike a balance between simplicity and engagement to keep users interested and motivated to use the website or application.

    Beyond flocking with the trends, entrepreneurs deserve to know which design approach is best for their business goals, target audience, brand identity and content. This could involve minimalism, maximalism or a combination of both.

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    Taiwo Sotikare

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  • The Pros and Cons of Big Brands Launching Web3 Projects | Entrepreneur

    The Pros and Cons of Big Brands Launching Web3 Projects | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    If you’ve been watching blockchain news, you likely saw the troubling figure that Web3 startup funding fell 74% in 2022. Yet megabrands such as Starbucks, Mastercard and Nike, all launching Web3 or Metaverse projects this year paints a conflicting image of Web3’s current status and future development.

    This may seem like deja-vu from the big-brand NFT craze in 2021 and early 2022, but these projects seem to be much more grounded in providing tangible value instead of manufacturing exclusivity. Major mainstream companies clearly see value in certain aspects of Web3, but with larger infrastructure still a work in progress, is this grand re-entry premature?

    Related: 4 Things to Consider Before Investing in Web3

    Big brand benevolence

    Large companies debuting and re-entering Web3 benefit the space by granting an undeniable cachet to the industry as a whole. Where blockchain-based developments have often been marked as gimmicks or marketing ploys, lower-profile launches show that Web3 technology can function with less fanfare by putting concrete user benefits at the forefront of product launches.

    A stamp of approval from companies outside the blockchain realm, and even the tech bubble, can solidify which Web3 use cases are viable. Gamer outrage drove gaming companies to backpedal on NFT integrations seriously, but we’ve seen virtually no public backlash to Starbucks transitioning its already incredibly successful rewards program to an NFT-based framework. Yes, it is essentially the same technology, but utilized in a way that enhances a service that non-crypto users already love instead of a useless distraction from a main product.

    Another key point of difference this time is the focus on the more tech and innovation-centered aspects of Web3, such as augmented reality (AR). Yes, Meta has long been the leader in this space with Oculus, but the details surrounding Apple launching its own “mixed reality” headset this spring gives a new level of prestige to AR progress. This news creates an even bigger splash considering Apple’s reputation for observing tech developments from the sidelines until it’s a clear win.

    If we’re measuring Web3 progress by a constant influx of VC dollars, then the state of the industry doesn’t look rosy in the short term. But the clear sustained interest from giants outside the industry shows that there is a solid curiosity and desire for Web3 technology. That being said, with big players entering the fold, there is room to question if Web3’s skeletal infrastructure and limited interoperability are ready for it.

    Related: Venture Capitalists are Pouring Money into Web3. Here’s Why.

    Too much too soon?

    A vote of confidence is vital for any industry’s growth, especially for smaller projects looking to get off the ground and build something revolutionary. But outside support doesn’t always guarantee that a platform or industry can succeed in the long term. Just look at the number of companies with an outpost in the primordial Metaverse project Second Life.

    Large-scale Metaverse infrastructures are still more of a sketch than a completed portrait. While big brand investment certainly fuels more frameworks to exist, it might not always have the best interests of a community at heart. What could end up happening is brands painting themselves into a corner, developing siloed Web3 worlds that only serve their customers and mimic the type of “walled garden” ecosystem that describes many internet platforms now.

    Companies that ignore the need for community-based frameworks do so to their detriment. Silicon Valley’s infamous “move fast and break things” mentality somewhat backfired on Web3 projects that didn’t realize you need an infrastructure to exist first before breaking it.

    By creating ecosystems that are not conducive to community growth, Web3 development and infrastructures become a black box, inaccessible to other projects or developers. This is where projects such as SendingNetwork, a software development kit (SDK) with tools that Web3 developers of all sizes can use to create community-centric platforms, step in to form an interconnected digital landscape. These sector-crossing initiatives are just as vital to creating a common Web3 foundation with projects trying to form the industry in its image.

    Related: They Say Web3 Is the Future of the Internet. But How?

    Making sure Web3 infrastructures are solid before courting larger projects can also help secure their interest in the long term. Companies of a certain stature have no qualms about experimenting in a new, potentially revenue-driving space, only to retreat after one bad quarter or plateaued growth. We’ve seen this happen in the blockchain space before, so it would be wise not to retread this path.

    Ultimately, there are clear benefits and drawbacks to megabrands hauling Web3 back into the mainstream. Where certain companies can lend legitimacy to the Web3 space, it’s important not to disregard the less glamorous yet vital strides smaller projects are taking to create common ground. Essentially, while brands invest in their projects, they should consider taking a big-picture approach to become fixtures in Web3 that bring in new communities outside their own corporatized space.

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    Ariel Shapira

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  • What Comes First in Website Development — Design or Copy?

    What Comes First in Website Development — Design or Copy?

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    The age-old question in the digital design world persists: What comes first in website development — design or copy? Many digital design agencies have their own workflow strategies that best satisfy this question, but ultimately, it comes down to project needs and considerations. Nevertheless, this query continues to ricochet between copy first, design after, and design preceding copy. When considering this stance, our own digital design agency’s perspective suggests a healthy balance between design and copy development. Design and copy should be curated and implemented in tandem to fill in any gaps that this duality informs. Without copy, a design is simply a visual layout, void of a clear user journey or of emotion. Yet without design, copy is merely information without placement.

    When designing or working with an agency for new website development or refresh, copy and design need to complement one another. To truly achieve a productively developed website, equilibrium needs to occur at the starting point. Let’s dissect how each strategy differs from the other and how to ultimately balance both for your next business’s web refresh.

    Related: Should You Have Content or Design First?

    Copy first, design later

    The conversation around “copy first, design later” stems from the idea that “content is king.” Although a popular phrase in the digital design industry, it often becomes utilized as a blanket statement to design when it does not always apply. Every digital product is different and requires different specifications. Sometimes, in web design, stakeholders have their own content prepared and ready; in this case — “content first, design later” can work seamlessly here.

    Designers then can utilize the provided content and design around it. This allows design teams to align the tone of the design with the voice of the content and curate a layout with the provided information. Ultimately, it provides design teams with a contextual frame of mind for navigating a website, user pathways and journeys. Content informs the pulse of a design because, with “lorem ipsum” placeholders, it can be hard to fully visualize how a design is conveying a brand story, mission and more.

    Yet, “copy first” has an Achilles’ heel — and that’s leaving room for wasted time. Many design agencies practice the approach of allowing content writers (whether from stakeholders, internal teams or freelance writers) to curate content first, then pass on that information to design around it. However, developing content takes time. Content must evoke the tone of a brand or organization, consider SEO purposes, ensure the user navigates the site without cognitive friction and more. Therefore, waiting on content writers to fully develop their messaging, slows the process down, because designers are waiting for the information on how to align the design with the content tonality. It’s not realistic to pause the design phase as content is being developed, particularly if there are deadlines from stakeholders.

    Moreover, without visually allowing writers to see the space in which their copy will go, it leaves room for error. If your content writer develops copy that is too long to fit into a design layout, there is more time wasted on content editing and back and forth.

    Design first, copy later

    To avoid the errors of “copy first,” many have adopted the “design first, content later” approach. This strategy is wildly used because it helps inform the tone of the content based on the design. If a design is rich with sharp geometric shapes, an electric color pallet and flashy animations, chances are the content will evoke a tonality of confidence, determination and perhaps even an edgy voice. This helps avoid the mistake of writers misaligning the tone with the design — because writers can see what emotions are evoked within the visual experience, and it streamlines their writing processes, too. Additionally, understanding the design layout also tells writers how much content to develop, saving time on content refinement later.

    However, this strategy has its flaws as well. Sometimes writing teams do not work directly with designers, particularly if they are an additional hire-on for the project, resulting in possible delayed communication or issues sharing the design. This affects your project pipeline because your content writer may have to scramble to curate copy if there is a lull in communication. Further, the design process is iterative and is always bound to shape and shift. Once presented to stakeholders, if your design is filled with lorem ipsum placeholder content, it can lead to confusion about what certain sections are meant to be. If posed with the question of what information will go where without contextual visualization, it muddles the overall experience.

    Related: Use These Web Design Tricks to Grow Your Business Exponentially

    Ultimately, balance is the answer

    When it comes to fusing design with copy, balance is ultimately the best approach to prevent the overlap of issues. It is highly important that when a website is coming to fruition, design and copy development begin in the same breath. Synchronizing both efforts early on helps the website start off on the right footing without mix-ups. Design and copy are both undeniably important to each other’s development. To convey the right tone and emotion, they need to work together as opposed to clashing.

    Further, to truly attain specific feedback from stakeholders, having both content and design together allows them to see both design and copy working together. This isn’t to say that your content copy is fully finalized — rather, much like design, it iteratively changes based on feedback. Sometimes in the early stages of a project, copy can even look like cues on what the purpose of the content will be in each section, and that can further allow stakeholders to provide feedback on the placement early on without having the full content finished. Early development of content and design is a great way to achieve productivity. Both strategies should commence at the same starting line, particularly at the wireframe stage if possible.

    How then, can this balance be implemented into your design strategies? First, it’s all about communication and information sharing. Whether in-house, from stakeholders or from freelance writing teams, communication is what will ensure both design and writing teams are working cohesively. Always be sure to fill in your content writers early on with any layout wireframes or schemes to give them a visual idea of how much content will be needed, how many headers or sub-headers will be curated and what the intention of call-to-actions will be/where it will lead. Communication will ultimately be an asset when balancing these two elements of design.

    Related: 8 Crucial Features Your Website Must Have

    Another best practice to remember when striking this balance is ensuring there is a clear understanding of the tonality of the website. If the copy tone and voice do not align with the experience of the visual story of a digital product, users’ cognitive response will be poor, causing friction and confusion. Along with communicating on layout, copy and design teams should be clear about the overall tone. This can be achieved through iterative calls with stakeholders to ensure both teams are on the right trajectory and even by scheduling calls on a daily or weekly cadence internally.

    Copy curation is all part of the design process, but without aligning these two practices, it can leave room for a mismatched experience. Therefore, commencing these two processes at the same, early starting point will make all the difference.

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    Goran Paun

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  • Upright Education Partners With SUNY Clinton Community College to Offer Fast-Track Technology Career Enhancement Pathways

    Upright Education Partners With SUNY Clinton Community College to Offer Fast-Track Technology Career Enhancement Pathways

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    Press Release
    –

    Aug 24, 2022


    PLATTSBURGH, N.Y., August 24, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Upright Education is pleased to announce its first partnership with a college in the State University of New York system (SUNY), Clinton Community College, located in Plattsburgh, New York. Upright’s complete curriculum of full- and part-time bootcamps and individual courses will be available online to Clinton enrollees.

    Clinton CC already offers a varied hybrid workforce development curriculum, including courses on information security, business technology, and emerging technologies. Workforce development is a key initiative of the SUNY system in general, where 1.9 million dollars in grant funding per year goes to various job training programs. Partnerships with institutions like SUNY colleges are essential to Upright’s mission to make skilled labor training available to all working adults.

    “Upright’s trainings in software development or user experience/interface design are offered as a complete package for anyone who would like to change their career or enhance it in technology industries. One can start with no experience, go through the program at an accelerated pace, and after 3 or 6 months land a well-paying job with the help of Upright’s career services,” said Anna Miarka-Grzelak, Dean of Enrollment Management at Clinton CC. “That’s exactly the type of opportunity that we want our students to have.” 

    Upright’s partnership with Clinton will expand the organization’s presence in New York State, where the tech sector continues to rank among the top states in the country for job creation and local job placement. Much of this employment density is concentrated in or near New York City. Upright’s courses, which are nationally ranked and designed to be accessible to learners of all levels of education and career experience, will play a major role in bringing the resources of New York’s tech sector to working adults across New York State’s diverse socioeconomic landscape. Upright’s partnerships have already contributed to the growth of the tech workforce in emerging industry hubs like greater New England and Central Tennessee.

    “There has never been a better time to enter a high-skilled profession. Companies are struggling with talent shortages and tech salaries remain high while other parts of the market seem to be cooling off,” said Upright Education CEO, Benny Boas. “Clinton Community College coding and design bootcamps offer the perfect opportunity for adults looking to make a switch to one of these high-paying jobs.”

    Upright continues to offer its introductory Career Ignition programs and its immersive Career Bootcamps in synchronous settings, allowing collaboration with peers and hands-on attention from live instructors. Financing and scheduling options vary and can be selected to fit the needs and dependencies of every adult learner. Upright is pleased to be bringing its award-winning curriculum and its 91% success rate to the table and developing the workforce of Plattsburgh, New York and the burgeoning economy beyond.

    Clinton and Upright Education are hosting a Bootcamp Info Session on Wednesday, August 31, to discuss upcoming courses and meet prospective students. The live webinar will take place remotely at 8:00 p.m. EST. Interested participants can register online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/clinton-community-college-bootcamp-info-session-tickets-406522548887

    To learn more about Clinton Bootcamps and Ignition Courses and to apply, visit: bootcamp.clinton.edu

    Press Contact

    SUNY Clinton CC

    Anna Miarka-Grzelak

    (518)562-4171

    anna.miarka-grzelak@clinton.edu

    Source: Upright Education

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  • K2forma Launches the First Comprehensive Nationwide Pest Control Web Service for Consumers

    K2forma Launches the First Comprehensive Nationwide Pest Control Web Service for Consumers

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    One-stop solution harnesses the power of a national database of pest control providers, coupled with do-it-yourself products and reviews.

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jun 5, 2018


    NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 5, 2018 (Newswire.com)
    –
    K2forma is proud to announce the launch of Pests.org, an all-in-one pest control resource hub, the first of its kind. K2forma worked with the team at Pests.org to research, design, and develop this nationwide direct-to-consumer web-based service for pest identification and treatment that uses independent research and original writing to empower consumers to make informed decisions.

    Pests.org is designed to be a comprehensive source for information and proactive solutions. Users can visit the site to identify bugs, rodents, wildlife, and other pests, and learn how to treat them using organic and other DIY methods. Pests.org also offers a direct way for consumers to purchase the right products for their issue, giving users the confidence that they know they’re buying the correct products to effectively treat their problem.

    We believe that Pests.org will put the power back in the hands of the consumer, with education and impartial advice. There really is nothing like this in the marketplace now; a single site that provides all of this information in one place.

    Kelly Koeppel, President and CEO, k2forma

    Visitors to Pests.org can also determine whether their issue requires a professional exterminator as well as locate local providers, all of whom are reviewed and ranked on four different metrics; cost, quality, features, and customer reviews.

    As pest control is an important consideration at any time of the year, understanding when and how pests are most active will help you protect your property and prevent seasonal pest problems. The site offers recommendations and advice to help navigate the sometimes confusing aspects of protecting your home and family from pest infestations with articles such as Pest Control for Expectant Mothers and Everything You Need to Know About the Health Risks of Zika.

    Do you live in one of the Top 15 Worst Cities for Roaches? Find out where your city ranks: Top 15 Worst Cities for Roaches

    “K2forma is proud to work with a team like Pests.org who is dedicated to excellence and quality content at every step of the way. We believe that Pests.org will put the power back in the hands of the consumer, with education and impartial advice. There really is nothing like this in the marketplace now; a single site that provides all of this information in one place.”

    Whether consumers are looking for the most effective products on the market today or the best providers in your area, Pests.org has impartial reviews to meet consumers’ specific pest control needs. Thanks to Pests.org, finding the right pest control approach with the best results has never been easier.

    k2forma, Inc. is a full-service creative agency founded in 2007.

    Media Contact:
    Margaret Wray
    margaret@k2forma.com
    (615) 528-3364
    www.k2forma.com

    Source: k2forma, Inc.

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  • Digital Agency Websites Depot Launches Educators’ Resource Portal for Los Angeles Unified School District

    Digital Agency Websites Depot Launches Educators’ Resource Portal for Los Angeles Unified School District

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    A new cloud-based solution for educators.

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Nov 15, 2017


    Los Angeles, CA, November 15, 2017 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has teamed up with the leading web design agency to announce the completion of a much-anticipated and robust web project. The new portal is designed to serve as a digital resource for educators of the nation’s second-largest school district. The updated Charter Operated Programs website was launched by Silver Lake-based Websites Depot.  The solution offers a cutting-edge digital resource center that was previously not available to district staff, administrators, and teachers.

    The site and portal boast a range of support pages, a job board, event listings, as well as grant information applicable towards the various charter schools in the system. According to Charter Operated Programs’ mission statement, the site’s purpose will serve to “facilitate a community of charter schools working together to provide innovative, high-quality educational services for students with unique needs.”

    The site also aims to provide specific digital resources to LAUSD’s special education administration and faculty.

    LAUSD’s new site was designed through close collaboration with the web development team at Websites Depot, which to built a modern cloud-based platform.  The platform allows teachers to access important resources, curriculum and digital training in a fast and secure fashion. Also made available –  is a modernized job board for candidates seeking entry into charter schools within the LAUSD. As all resources and functions are implemented and go online in the coming weeks, member schools will be able to utilize the full index of available features.

    “We put together a plan and a layout that addressed their stated needs,” said Alejandra Villarreal of Websites Depot, who oversaw project management of the new site.

    According Websites Depot’s Elena Maitkova, the lead developer who spearheaded the coding and programming involved in the site, unique features laid out for LAUSD include an advanced user experience with member-only access to exclusive resources and training materials. In addition, the site was laid out in a way that makes front-end editing of major site utilities easy for district administrators.

    Visit Charter Operated Programs for the complete list of resources newly-available to LAUSD members. To find out more about Websites Depot, or to make a press inquiry, please contact (213) 332-9255.

    Source: Websites Depot Inc.

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