Never put form over function. Why? Because it's crucial that
visitors actually be able to USE your site. Everything you do
must be designed to be as easy for the visitor to understand as
possible. Everything should be functional first.
If you put form before function, you sacrifice your visitor's
best interest for your own preferences. By definition, putting
form over function means you sacrifice function--you make it
harder to perform whatever task is supposed to be performed. You
give up ease of use or simplicity in order to make it look
nicer. Basically, you wind up with a lot of icing and no cake.
Don't get me wrong--form often accentuates function, just like
icing accentuates a cake. Something that is visually pleasing
often increases the usability by making it more attractive or by
using visual elements to increase understanding. Creative design
can often be used to make a task easier to perform. It can
entice the visitor to take whatever action you want them to take.
However, on the web, there are frequently contests between form
and function. Designers make choices between whether to make
something look nicer or make it simpler and easier to use. For
example, these are common ways of sacrificing function:
- Using an uncommon style of links that makes it hard to
recognize the links.
- Putting a textured background behind the copy, even though it
will make the text harder to read.
- Choosing a font color that doesn't have enough contrast with
the background color.
- Using a font face that is difficult to read.
- Using an uncommon name for a common link. For example, "Talk"
instead of "Contact us".
- Placing elements in unexpected places. Like putting the logo
on the right side of the page or placing the main navigation
along the bottom of the design.
- Using a splash page on the site because it looks neat, even
though it keeps visitors from getting to the real information in
the site.
- Using a lot of fancy images that make the page load more
slowly.
- Opting for a totally graphical design with no copy on the main
page. Regardless of the fact that visitors won't have a clue
what the business is all about until they get further into the
site.
These are all examples of choosing form over function.
Unfortunately, if your design looks great but is hard to figure
out, your visitors will be gone. They don't come to your site to
admire the looks; they come to use the site--to find information
or to accomplish a task. Anything you do to stand in their way
is a no-no.
Most of the time, a visitor's attention span is about as long as
snake fur. They have no patience. If you complicate their lives,
they're outta here. Other sites are ready and waiting to meet
their needs, so there is no reason they should struggle through
your site. If you opt for form over function, you're likely to
opt yourself right out of sales. Not good.
When you're designing your website, don't think about looks
first. Always make function a priority. Think about what's going
to be easiest for your visitors to use and understand. Then
create an attractive presentation to accentuate it.
About the author:
There are 605.6 million people online. Can they find your
business? Jamie Kiley creates powerful and engaging websites
that make sure YOUR company gets noticed. Visit www.kianta.com
for a free quote.
Get a quick, free web design tip every two weeks--sign up for
Jamie's newsletter: http://www.kianta.com/newsletter.php
