What gives a web design quality?

It would seem like the answer to this question would be to simply open your browser and select your favorite website from the 87 tabs you currently have open and say, “Look and see”. And you might be right!

But based on the millions of websites out there today, this is a difficult question to answer concisely. ChatGPT (i.e., the new Websters) defines quality web design as “the integration of both creative and technical skills to ensure that a website not only looks good but also serves its intended purpose effectively.” That’s pretty spot on. That sweet combination of looking good and working good is where the true quality is found, both in web design and t-shirts. #philosophical✨

Why does quality web design even matter?

I might be a little biased, but as a product designer, I think of the why as the most important piece of this quality-web-design puzzle. A well-designed website is always one of life’s simple joys to experience, but it can also be a powerful tool for businesses, enhancing their online presence, establishing credibility, and driving conversions. Here’s why it matters:

1. First Impressions Count: Your website is often the first point of contact potential customers have with your business or platform. A polished, well-designed site that is a joy to use can create a positive first impression, establishing trust and encouraging your guests to explore further.
2. User Experience (UX): Quality web design ensures that visitors can easily navigate your site, find the information they need, and complete desired actions, such as making a purchase or filling out a contact form. A smooth, intuitive user experience keeps users engaged and reduces bounce rates.
3. Brand Identity and Consistency: Your website is a reflection of your brand. Consistent use of colors, fonts, and imagery across your site reinforces your brand identity, making it memorable and recognizable to visitors. Brand consistency + smooth UX = a delightful experience that your guests will remember when it comes to purchasing or signing up.
4. SEO and Online Visibility: Did you know that search engines favor well-structured, mobile-friendly, and fast-loading websites? Well, now you do. Quality web design incorporates SEO best practices, helping your site rank higher in search engine results and increasing your visibility to potential customers.
5. Conversion Rates: The goal of any business website is to convert visitors into customers. A well-designed site guides users through the buyer’s journey with clear calls to action and a seamless checkout or sign-up process, leading to higher conversion rates.

To wrap this up

Quality web design isn’t a worthless vanity project for your website; it’s an investment in your business’s future. It’s about more than just looking good; it’s about creating a positive experience, building trust with your customers, and driving further business growth. Whether you’re a mom-and-pop shop or a large enterprise, ensuring that your website is well-designed—in every sense—is crucial to standing the test of time in the always-changing sea of websites.