Functional Web Design

I like to cook. But I don’t like to waste time. That’s why I installed a utensil rack near our stove. Now, instead of going to the drawer, I save some time by simply reaching a few feet to grab the item I need.

Don’t Waste My Time

People don’t want to waste time on the web too. That’s why it’s important to arrange related items on your site in close proximity to each other.

I recently wrote about C.R.A.P. web design, where I spoke about the 4 principles of good web design. One in particular I mentioned was proximity or grouping like items or related content together.

Proximity could be like items, but also themes, categories or similar subjects that are related to each other. Keeping related content together allows the visitor or reader to navigate and find the information they’re looking for quickly and easily.

(Relating back to my kitchen…)

Unfortunately, I don’t cook in my dream kitchen. If I did, my dream kitchen would include the cutting board (or preparation area) positioned on either side of the stove and sink. This way when I’m chopping, the scraps get pushed into the sink and the good stuff goes onto the stove. Our kitchen sink and cutting board are positioned on the other side of the kitchen. It’s a hassle to have to move your ingredients across the room to cook them.

Build a Functional and Logical Website

This hassle happens on the web too. There are a lot of frustrated web users out there – me included. Imagine if all websites were built similar to my dream kitchen? What a time saver.

Build a website that is functional and logical. Group like items together.

I’m a cook first, architect second. Your website should be the same. Think functionality first, then aesthetics.