Website Development

It’s fitting that I should choose to begin this (my first design blog) where all design projects begin…with “a blank canvas”. I would like to emphasize how blank space can be a useful design element if used properly. I’ve noticed that many designers rush to fill in the canvas with anything, and everything they can, as though the canvas were something to be ashamed of (even to the extent of placing animated flame gifs on their sites). Sometimes we are afraid to show a design-in-progress for fear that others will see our designs half dressed. Well I’m taking a stand to liberate the web. Don’t cover it up, learn to love your canvas. Now obviously you can’t always control the amount of content, or imagery that is required for every site, but a well spaced layout is far more appealing than you may have realized. When you clutter a design you lose symmetry quickly, and symmetry is one of the primary principles of good design. Large fonts, and big logos are the most common violations in this regard. These are usually the first elements used in the design, and thus their size is often increased to fill that shameful canvas. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not promoting minimalism on the web, I’m just hoping to reduce some needless clutter and maybe increase the symmetry.