Like stars themselves, star websites need a certain “it” factor to shine. They need to make viewers want to come back for more. While award winning sites are each unique in content and design, there are general characteristics that they share.
The best websites avoid unnecessary clutter. Having unneeded frames or graphics will just annoy visitors. Music, which many websites have set to play upon loading, is often superfluous and can drive guests away. Much like jewelry or makeup the elements that make up a website should not clash or have to fight for attention.
Another important element is making sure everything works. It seems obvious but even professional websites have broken links or graphics. Design isn’t everything. There’s also execution. Broken sites won’t win awards.
What will win awards is interesting, up to date information. Generally people visit websites for specific data and that data needs to be current and accurate. A beautiful website with out of date or incorrect information impresses no one.
Last but not least, award winning websites have interesting elements and interactive graphics. Just as clutter should be avoided, clever ways to combine functions should be sought out. For example, if a website menu can be integrated into a photo rather than simply being listed as links on the side of a page it’s often more interesting.
That said, every site is different. The best sites are the ones that people just want to keep coming back to.
No comments yet.
RSS Feed for comments on this post.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.