Content or Design: Which One You Should Opt For to Begin With

Written by GtoRMan Monday, 14 February 2011 23:35

Many a times, website design Toronto companies start to build websites for business owners where they put different priorities as to what needs to be focused on primarily. There are essentially two options that they have: the website design or the content. An experienced website design company holds strong attribution with the idea that content should come into mind first. This is because this one factor can ultimately decide how your design will look afterward.

However, there is no doubt that opinions differ on this. Any expert may suggest you to concentrate on the design, especially when a particular company gives a lot of focus on trying to attract potential visitors purely through their design features. The company expects the visitors to gain interest and be impressed with the design before reading any content. However, the contrasting opinion is that the company should perhaps consider their website goals.

One of the primary reasons most visitors start surfing browsing through a website is to seek information they need. They search details so that they can have solutions of their problem as well as fulfill other needs like learning about a product or service, reading news, communicating with friends, making purchases, or finding the right company before making contact. So, why would design should come first if content is the element that is really doing all the “talking”?

Another logic illustration is that when you come with the design first, the creative team you work with will be providing the content based on assumptions because they focus mostly on the design. Afterward, you will have to determine the content which will be adjusted to conform to the design or to fit within placeholders. This way, you may need to sacrifice quality, clarity and intention. It may consume more time because the design process takes longer than needed to make revision and adjustment which is particularly not necessary if you opt to go for the content from the beginning.

By focusing on the content, you and your creative team will have something to count on in defining information flow, layout, and navigation. The design highlights the content through imagery, color, clarity, and positioning. The overall design represents what your website is really about. The companies usually know the goals they want to accomplish through the web site, which will ultimately improve their sales. Therefore, they can take a look at the good designs provided by their creative team and get inspiring website designs which can speak for them.

Comments  

 

0 #1 2011-08-03 02:02

Great article, I have to say your spot on, even if a website has heaps of content but the design is poor, I'll close the window and move on. As a website designer myself, Appearance, layout and navigation are always my primary concerns, content comes last, but if you have a well designed website, the content just finds a way to blend in and complete the website. Good read..Thanks.

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