by Brenna Mae

Created on: January 26, 2009

Website design is so much more strategic than graphic design or coding. It's a mix between the two, creating a hybrid of beauty and functionality. That's why it can be difficult for web designers to find the right balance, especially one specific to a client's website.

You obviously can't just open up Photoshop and be done in an hour. You need a plan. Here are some things to consider when creating a design strategy specific to a website you'll be working on.

1) Know what's needed
Before you can even start the design process, you'll need to create a list of the elements that will be needed in the overall design. You'll have to write down the basics like header, footer, content area, etc. Also include elements that are more specific, such as the primary navigation (Home, About, Links, etc.) and the sidebar navigation (Links to content or posts).

It may be helpful to create a sitemap. Visually represent the main areas like the header, navigation, content, and so on, and then build upon them. What will go in the header? An RSS feed? A search bar? What will go in the navigation? Primary navigation, a calendar, articles?

2) Draw up some sketches
Don't worry about colors, shapes, or any aspect of design at this point. Take your sitemap of needed items, and create a place for them on paper. After a rough sketch, it may be helpful to use some grid paper to make it neater, so you can really see the outcome.

You should only worry about size and proportions when doing this. This will help you focus on functionality of the design. Is the content area big enough? Where do the viewer's eyes go first? Will the reader be able to find the navigation quickly?

Always keep your audience in mind, including their age, gender, profession, and skill level. This will greatly determine what elements should go where, and how big some should be. If you're website is supposed to supply specific information to a group of people, make sure they can find it quickly. If it is intended to have the viewer browse around for awhile, be sure to add features in appropriate spots that will lead them to content they're interested in.

3) Finally open up Photoshop
...or whatever program you use. You can use grids from the rulers if your software allows you to use them. Photoshop has a nice feature that allows you to pull off of the ruler on the side to make a grid if necessary, and then a snap feature to help you align your elements.

Make the same basic outline as you did on paper. You may need to adjust some pixels

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