What is the difference between good and bad website design?

Anyone who has ever spent any time on the internet knows that some websites are better than others. They may not be able to pinpoint exactly what it is that makes some websites stand out – it may be as simple as the colours that are used on each page, or the simplicity of the content and the amount of useful links included – but they’ll know, for whatever reason, that they just like it better than other pages they’ve visited and want to spend more of their time there. So what exactly is the difference between good and bad web design?

Obviously the website described above is the kind you need to aim for — one that employs the techniques of website design to promote effortless browsing across an entertaining and informative array of pages that are easy to navigate. Let’s take a look at two of the main areas that differentiate the good from the bad in web
design:

Appearance: A good website design focuses on the tasteful and sparing use of colour, graphics and different font types and sizes. The overall look of the site must project a consistent image of the company. As a general rule, good website design does not employ more than three different colours across the site and limits text to include no more than two different fonts. In addition, quality website design ensures that lettering is of an appropriate size and colours are not too garish or conflicting in tone.

Functionality: The second most important feature that differentiates the good from the bad in website design is the extent to which the page is user-friendly. A good website is easy to navigate because it presents a practical menu system that is clearly identified and logically arranged. A good website design will also include a search function to allow visitors to sort through large volumes of information and find exactly what they are looking for. It will also include visibly displayed contact details should visitors require additional information.
Bad website design essentially ignores all of the rules set out above. Poorly designed websites lack any logical navigation system, feature out-of-date and irrelevant information and omit critical elements such as search box and ‘Contact Us’ pages. In most cases, bad website design results in confusion for visitors because the important and necessary features and information are lost amongst blinding colour schemes, distracting fonts and an abundance of advertising.

These are just a few of the main tips and techniques to adopt and avoid when establishing an online presence for your company. To side-step any of the cardinal sins of website design, it is always best to consult professional web designers whose portfolio clearly shows they know the good from the bad.

Some Quick Tips for Quality Photography

Use of quality photography can really enhance your website design. Whether it is a flashing banner on your home page, photos of your products, your worksite or photos of your staff, good photography contributes greatly to the first impressions formed by prospective buyers.

It is important to use quality equipment for website photography to ensure appropriate resolution for onscreen display. Further to this, a skilled photographer should be employed to ensure that correct lighting and positioning is selected to best complement the target.

Use of large banner images, particularly on home pages is very popular and very effective. Another very popular option is to use flashing or rotating banners on home pages or an image that fills the entire background of the home page. Such images can be very emotive and set the mood or tone of the website. For example, images of children can invoke feelings of innocence and images of families can tug at the heartstrings. Alternatively a funky or kooky image can set a contemporary, light heart hearted tone whereas corporate type photography can portray a very professional image.

An alternative to taking new photographs for use on your website is using existing photography or images from professional photographers, designers and artists. Such images are available for purchase, royalty free, at very affordable prices from various websites such as istockphoto.com. The range of images available is enormous and you are sure to find something that represents your business, product or service the way you envision.

Infinite IT Solutions have a professional photographer onsite to assist you with all your photography requirements. Alternatively our design team can assist you with image selection. Check out our portfolio to see the spectacular results.

What is e-commerce?

E-commerce is the buying and selling of products and services by electronic means and for the purposes of our discussion, over the internet. Today’s websites provide virtual storefronts where consumers can browse products and services at their leisure without pressure from sales persons and importantly, at a time that suits them best. These virtual stores extend your trading hours and geographical reach and all for a fraction of the cost of a traditional storefront.


Online shopping was only a pipedream just a few short years ago. It was a novel idea but was flanked with all sorts of security concerns in particular as relates to fraudulent credit card transactions. However improved technology in conjunction with guarantees provided by many credit card providers has allayed the fears of many and online shopping has now becomes a legitimate and viable option for many, in particular the time poor.

Secure transactions are key to the burgeoning success of online shopping and this has been made simple for consumers to recognise with the https prefix which identifies a website as having a secure server. Additionally, cheaper and larger internet plans mean that the downloads associated with viewing and purchasing online are no longer a concern for consumers.

Convenience plays a major role in the success of online shopping. Our lives are becoming increasingly busy and the option to do buyer’s research, if not purchasing, outside of standard business hours is more and more suitable.

Infinite IT Solutions are experts at providing e-commerce functionality with fully integrated and secure payment facilities. Check out our portfolio to see what we can do for your business!