AWF - Advanced Web Design Layouts [LESSON]

Advanced Web Design

We have learned several layouts, but there are more types of layouts you can use. Before you start any website, you first need to create your layout. You can sketch this on a piece of paper, or you can do something more permanent like make it in a design program or use an online program for designing layouts. You can also just make it by using something like PowerPoint, Word, or Publisher. The most important thing is that you make the layout design prior to starting the site.  It is a great idea to keep a framework of a basic layout, or several basic layouts, that you have designed and then you have a starting point. When designing for a client, it is best to have only 3 choices for them, so it is easier for them to decide. This is using a concept called "Hick's Law." The concept is that the more choices a person has the more time it will take them to decide, so it is best to only offer a limited number of choices. That is why if you go to Cheesecake Factory it will probably take you a much longer time to decide on what you want to eat than if you go to McDonald's, there are too many good choices! 

In addition to deciding on how to layout the basic structure of the site, it is a good idea to consider responsiveness, which is how will it look on different device sizes. Also consider that simple is better; have a good amount of white space in your design and don't make it cluttered. It is always a good idea to look at layouts of similar websites to get ideas. You don't want to copy them exactly, but they can give you ideas and you can use them for inspiration.

We've learned basic layouts in earlier modules. There are many free front-end frameworks to make web development easier. Here are a few more that are frequently used.

Interact with the learning object below to learn more about Advanced Layouts. 

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