Web Design: The Interactive Approach

Design is an integral part of our lives! This is very visible when we turn out to be more observant about the things that happen around us.

There is design in the way we live…it could be in the way we dress or design our homes!

The power of design thus can never be ignored!

What is Web Design All About!

Many web designers will surely agree that designing a website is more than bringing about the elements of design and content. This thought process needs to be decided before one begins with the design elements as the design needs to attract attention and even convey the required message. Every designer has a unique approach towards a subject. Even then, not the best of web designers can achieve their goals with ease.

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So, what is it that makes a website stand apart from the rest? Many web designers keep hoping for that secret ingredient so that the website attracts users and keeps them on the page. But then, is there such a thing as a secret ingredient?

Well, a simple example will reveal about one very important approach one needs to use for web design.

A Tale of Two Outlets

We can take into consideration two product outlets that contained a collection of similar goods. Both targeted the same segment of people. These outlets were direct competitors. Yet, only one of them had the cash registers ringing. This was not due to strong advertising campaigns; the secret of the success was due to another factor.

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The outlet that never really had to advertise to get ample sale used one strong idea to their benefit. This is something that is common but rarely used - interaction. There was a detailed approach in the way crowds were handled. They were taken care of, the product information was detailed very well and this in turn made consumers feel the outlet always had authentic goods! The products were even kept on trial basis, where in people could try it out and get the feel of the product. In this manner, the consumers found it enjoyable to visit the shop again and again!

At this point, one may wonder about the connection this has with web design. Well, the secret of the success is in this very example. A website needs to be designed in a way to attract users. It also needs to keep the users engaged on the page. This is when interactivity and social interaction plays an important role.

How Website Interactivity can Make a Difference

Fig 1: A website that sells various products has displayed the range in a traditional format. This may not always capture the attention of the user. A website can use many tricks to present the message in an attractive way. For a product website for example, the content and design can be packaged differently to make a user want to know more about the product range.

This is when the message will be conveyed effectively. For example, the product range can be displayed in a 3Dimensional Flip Book. A user can enjoy flipping through the pages to know more about the products while still being there on the same page. This is exactly the same ingredient that was used in the example mentioned earlier! Making a web page interactive spells success for website owners.

Fig 2: This website has used the 3Dimensional Flip Book to present a collection of stories. It makes reading an interactive and enjoyable experience for users.

Great Examples of Websites with Interactivity

This interesting interactivity is created by McCain products. The whole concept of branding has worked very well as the interactivity does not highlight the brand. Even then, a user is tempted to try it out. Here, a user is tempted to try out the interaction by filling out a friend’s name and a message.

These details are then represented with a very interesting animation that includes the potatoes against a cheerful backdrop. It acts as a very cheerful e-greeting that can be sent out to friends, further reinforcing the brand name!

This photographer has a lot of creative talent and it’s visible in the portfolio. But users don’t only view the creative portfolio; they get an idea from the website itself. The website has a very beautiful use of Flash that displays the entire portfolio in an interactive way. As a user browses through them, the display engages users to explore the website further.

This creative agency does not need lengthy copy to prove their mettle. The website by Leo Burnett is an apt example of website interactivity blended finely with creativity. As you view the site, the pencil displayed on the screen moves according to the way the cursor is moved. Every click takes you closer to the menu, from where you can view their portfolio and know about other details!

The plate interactive is boutique interactive agency and the website itself shows their thought process. A user tends to be engaged from the first screen itself. There are various interactions that happen in the center of the plate as shown above. The website has that right combination of elements to engage users and increase their desire to know more about the company.

These examples aptly display why website interactivity has helped to engage users on websites. In the recent times, with the number of websites on the increase, making a user stay and be engaged on a web page is of great importance. The main thing is to capture the attention of the user and present the message in an interactive way. This is when website interactivity can be used to the best advantage.

Conclusion

Apart from website interactivity, social interaction is another method that keeps users on the page and makes them come back to the site again! This social interaction can be in the form of forums, polls, etc. It makes users interact amongst each other and this builds a kind of a relation between users and with website.

Try to use attractive images in design, which will make the web site attractive and easy to navigate. You can find those industrial stock photos for free online.

Every web designer is blessed with ample creativity! The trick lies in getting all the elements together.

A website that attracts users and keeps them on the page can be termed as successful! So, have you taken the interactive approach towards web design?