Our team at Amelia (probably the best WordPress bookings plugin) put together this article to find out more about what Information Architecture means, what relationship it has with web designers, and how it can improve the user experience process in the long run.

Table of Contents

• Information Architecture – definition and facts
• Paramount questions to ask regarding Information Architecture
  
• What is the relationship between Information Architecture and Website Navigation?
• Information Architecture – principles
• Activities as part of the team
  
• Business value

Information Architecture – definition and facts

Information Architecture, sometimes referred to as IA, is the process that involves creating a structure for a website, mobile app development, or other projects that requires one.
Without a well-built Information Architecture, users would be lost when visiting a website or using an app.

IA helps users understand where they are, based on how the website/app is built. Defining Information Architecture is not easy, as it is a wide concept that contains intricate details that need to be separately discussed.

The result of Information Architecture is represented by site maps, categorizations, metadata, and so on. Basically, information is placed in hierarchies to make using the website more effective. Content strategists deal with separating content on a regular basis.

By separating content, they create categories that need to be considered when structuring a website. On the other hand, when web designers create website menus, they also practice Information Architecture to help users select the categories that are relevant for what they search. An information architect places everything in order so that users don’t get lost in the content.

IA/UX Design

Many people mistake UX design for IA design. There are some substantial differences between the two, but they are part of the same field. While IA design involves creating a blueprint of the overall structure of a project, UX designers rely on this foundation to design user flows and plan navigation systems.

To put it shortly, IA design can be compared to a blueprint of the whole structure of a project.

UX designers use the architecture basis to plan the navigation system. Basically, UX designers rely on Information Infrastructure to improve the user experience. Thus, IA is the foundation of UX and one of the many requirements that designers must respect.

The importance of Information Architecture

The website Information Architecture takes quite a lot to create. This is the reason why people tend to avoid working with IA. This is a mistake because efficient navigation is not possible without a good Information Architecture foundation.

Efficient IA design is a condition of obtaining usable websites and applications. Without IA, a website would have many navigation problems that will simply make users leave it as soon as they access it. Investing time in Information Architecture could save web development companies a lot of resources in the future, as they will no longer need to improve the structure of a website.

Paramount questions to ask regarding Information Architecture

There are four big questions you should keep in mind when talking about IA design:

• What flow of users goes through the site?
• How does IA help users search through information?
• How is the information presented to the user?
• Is the information helping users to find what they are looking for faster?

The information architect is the one who needs to handle these questions and decide what the next move is in terms of IA design. These questions mostly refer to the audience, because the IA design is directly influenced by it. Information Architecture influences everything, so it’s best to have a big picture in mind before getting to work.

What is the relationship between Information Architecture and Website Navigation?

The website navigation refers to all the components of a user interface. These components make up the navigation experience on a website.

Users can find information much more rapidly if the website navigation is well-built from the start. Because it makes information easy to access, the users are more likely to make decisions that are beneficial for the website users.

How are they related?

There is a clear relationship between IA design and website navigation, the relationship that was also mentioned before. To design a project beautifully from the very beginning, information architects must invest their resources in the IA design process.

Without setting a clear scope for the entire project, Information Architecture cannot be properly defined. The relationship between website navigation and IA becomes clearer when designing a website from scratch and comparing this site with one that has no Information Architecture. Such websites are ineffective and very difficult to browse.

Making an IA design for a website that has already been developed is costly and time-consuming.

Define IA before navigation

When designing (or redesigning) a website, one condition must be followed. The Information Architecture must be defined first, while the navigation system can be set up afterward.

Yet there is a convenient feature about IA design: you can begin the wireframe process and prototyping before finishing the Information Architecture. One thing is sure – developing the navigation system only by following design principles won’t lead to an ideal outcome. It is best to balance the two elements out.

IA in design

If the role of IA design is still not clear, you should learn more about the user-centered approach that designers choose when they work on a project. A website is not focused on design only because there is a multitude of other details that ultimately affect the user experience. Information Architecture is one of these elements.

It represents the entire skeleton of a design process. Without it, everything would be reckless and chaotic. Powerful UI design and quality content are completely irrelevant if the IA design is ignored.

No user would enjoy the content that is disorganized and difficult to navigate through. Because finding the information they need is very time-consuming, people prefer leaving the website immediately rather than searching for what they want, even though the content might have been resourceful and the user interface pretty.

Information Architecture – principles

Information Architecture cannot be designed without following a certain number of rules and principles. Because IA design is all about structuring information, it simply cannot be done without following a specific development line. To organize the information logically, you should follow the principles listed below:

• Objects – Content is treated just as a human being. It involves different lifecycles, it shows various behaviors, it has attributes and characteristics.
• Choices – As the saying goes, less is more. The principles of choices refer to the fact that fewer elements are the key to good project design. Overcrowding a website with elements is the opposite of this principle.
• Disclosure – Information previews are the ones that instill curiosity. Users will only dig deeper to find more content if they are interested in what they assimilate from the preview.
• Exemplars – Showing examples of the published content for each category will help the user decide whether the content included in that category is relevant for him or not.
• Front doors – Around 50% of users find another way to access the website other than through the main page. This is the reason why all the content needs to be organized properly.
• Multiple classifications – Users need to separate the information using relevant criteria. The classifications included on the website will influence how effective browsing the website is.
• Focused navigation – Navigation should be simple to avoid confusing the users instead of helping them find the information they need.
• Growth – it is important to make the website expandable. Making the website scalable is a condition of good design.

As you may notice, there are plenty of principles to respect when building a website. Without following these principles, the website might not turn out efficient and it won’t be appreciated by the users. If the website does not generate the results that were initially predicted, it can lead to profit loss, which is the worse thing that can happen.

Activities as part of the team

Information architects are the ones who normally cover a wide range of tasks. They are part of the UX team in a project. The most common tasks involved in their activity are researching, creating the navigation system, wireframing, labeling, and modeling data. Each of these tasks is described below.

Research and analysis

In Information Architecture, research plays a great role. Information architects are the ones who handle this task by handling interviews. Their job is to notice how prospective users behave while using a website and – based on their research – they decide how to categorize information.

By studying people’s behavior while they use an app or a website, information architects gather very important information that can be used to transform an existent project in a better one or to avoid making similar mistakes when building one from scratch. Moreover, they analyze how users use the information they gather from websites and apps.

After conducting in-depth research and gathering all the data they need, information architects start analyzing the data. This is where the analysis process begins, as part of IA design.

Most information architects present their data in the form of spreadsheet reports, from which they formulate various recommendations and potential methods of approaching a project.

Navigation and hierarchy

After going through the research and analysis processes, the information architect can begin to create a hierarchy. Based on the data analysis performed earlier, the information architect can start organizing the content. Here, the information architect must also take into account the preferences of the client/organization that he works with.

For instance, if the client specified that he would like the FAQ section under the Product category, the information architect must respect this requirement, even though it might not be the exact way he would do it. Information Architecture principles must still be followed.

However, the information architect has to inform the client about the best practices in terms of hierarchy. The final result should be a combination of the client’s preferences and the architect’s experience and knowledge.

Wireframing

Wireframes are a way to express the connections established between the technical point of view of Information Architecture and the practical perspective.

In order to begin the wireframing process, an information architect must use the information he gathered during the research phase, as well as the decisions he made during the hierarchy creation phase to create the main image of the content, which is supposed to show how users will interact with the information.

Labeling

Adding labels is the process that creates pages on a website. By creating a good hierarchy and navigation system, as well as labeling each page appropriately, a user can find the information he is looking for much easier.

Taxonomies

The same goes for taxonomies and metadata. In Information Architecture, a taxonomy is a group of elements and also a record of how different content is placed together based on a selected criterion.

Information architects are responsible for choosing the most appropriate taxonomies for the content they manage. This content can then be tagged using metadata, which makes the taxonomies searchable.

Data modeling

Data modeling is known as content modeling in Information Architecture and it is usually performed by a content strategist and an information architect. The collaboration between the two is done in order to combine both business logic, the requirement of the users, good editorial practices, and structured content principles.

Redesigning a data model is not effective and this is why new data models are always mapped in the case of content migration. During this process, templates might be created and offered to copywriters or content strategists that work with that website.

Organizational systems

These systems represent a way of divided information. Organizational systems are used in Information Architecture to help users predict where to find information. There are three basic types of organizational systems:

Hierarchic

Hierarchic systems are inspired by Gestalt psychological theory. Content should be organized in a manner that makes people understand how important each element on the page is. Depending on the element’s position, it is more or less important for the people who read it.

Sequential

Sequential systems refer to creating a focused path for the user to follow. The users are guided through the content step by step so that they go through each sequence and assimilate the information properly. Retail websites are the ones that use the sequential system for their Information Architecture.

Matrix

Matrix is the most complex organizational system, where users are given choices regarding how they would like to read the content. Content is grouped based on different schemes. The most popular content schemes in Information Architecture are:

• Alphabetical
• Chronological
• Topic
• Audience

Business value

How productive employees are?

A bad Information Infrastructure will result in reduced productivity because of the time waste that occurs, as well as the frustration that employees encounter in searching for the needed information. The research conducted by the IDC in 1999 proved the financial implication of low productivity caused by bad IA design.

Good sales and reputation

Sales can go down if the users of a website are not pleased with how the information is structured on it. The reputation of the brand will also go down because of this.

Not investing in Information Architecture will lead to issues that can have serious implications in website abandonment rates. A good IA design can have a knock-on effect on a business and can open doors for new customers.

New users or customers

Obtaining new users or customers is probably among the goals of all businesses. Making sure that users can easily find sign-up pages and contact details through good Information Architecture is a must. If users can’t find such information quickly, they are very likely to leave the website in minutes.

FAQs about information architecture

1. What is information architecture?

The technique of arranging and structuring information (IA) makes it easier for users to find what they need. Making websites, applications, and other digital products simple to use and comprehend, it needs careful planning and design. Information architecture aims to build a logical and understandable framework that makes it easy for consumers to browse and engage with digital content.

2. How does information architecture differ from user experience design?

User experience design (UX) includes information architecture as a subfield, whereas information architecture focuses especially on the organization and structure of information. User research, graphic design, and interaction design are just a few of the disciplines that go under the umbrella of user experience design. Information architecture is concerned with how information is organized, whereas UX design is interested in how a product or service is used as a whole.

3. What are the main goals of information architecture?

Information architecture’s primary objectives are to arrange information in a way that is user-friendly, intuitive, and accessible. To do this, the hierarchy of the information must be established, and classifications and labels must be easily understood. The goal is to provide a seamless user experience that makes it possible for users to swiftly and effectively find what they need.

4. What are some common challenges that information architects face?

Keeping the needs of various user groups in balance is one of the biggest issues that information architects encounter. IA must be created to accommodate a variety of users with varying degrees of experience and objectives. Working with complicated content, managing a few resources, and making sure the IA is adaptable enough to alter in the future are additional difficulties.

5. How do information architects organize information?

Site maps, taxonomies, and labeling systems are just a few of the methods used by information architects to organize information. Site maps show the site’s content hierarchy visually, while taxonomies aid in defining categories and connections among various types of material. Users can discover what they need with the aid of labeling systems, such as menus and navigation bars, which offer concise and uniform labels.

6. What is a taxonomy in information architecture, and why is it important?

A taxonomy is a technique for grouping information into categories and subcategories according to traits that are common to each. Taxonomies aid in the creation of an understandable and logical structure in information architecture, making it possible for users to locate what they’re looking for quickly and simply. Taxonomies can enhance the search experience by delivering pertinent results and offering user-specific filtering choices.

7. How do information architects ensure that their designs are user-friendly and intuitive?

To make sure that their designs are user-friendly and intuitive, information architects employ a range of user-centered design strategies. This involves gathering user data, developing personas, and running usability tests. IA designers can develop structures and navigation systems that are suited to users’ wants and behaviors by knowing their needs and behaviors.

8. What role does usability testing play in information architecture?

Information architecture must include usability testing because it allows designers to assess how well their ideas work in practical situations. Designers can spot usability problems, enhance navigation, and hone labeling and categorization systems by watching users engage with a website or application. Moreover, usability testing can reveal information about user preferences and behavior that will help with future design choices.

9. How does information architecture differ for different types of websites (e.g. e-commerce, news, social media)?

Depending on the sort of website or application being created, information architecture can change. For instance, e-commerce websites need distinct product categories and filtering tools, whereas journalism websites would need a more comprehensive taxonomy to help readers identify pertinent content.

User-generated material and more conventional content categories, such as news stories and blog entries, may need to be balanced on social media platforms. Each time, the IA must be customized to the particular requirements and objectives of the website or application.

10. What are some best practices for creating effective information architecture?

Understanding user needs and behaviors is one of the best practices for designing an effective information architecture. Other best practices include designing content into a clear and intuitive hierarchy, using clear and concise labeling systems, designing navigation systems that are simple to use across the site, and conducting usability testing to find and fix usability problems.

Using visual signals to direct users, planning for scalability and adaptability, and taking accessibility and diversity into account when making design decisions are some other excellent practices. Effective information architecture aims to provide a user-centered design that makes it easy for users to locate and engage with digital content.

Ending thoughts on information architecture

Information Architecture can be more complicated than people think, and its effects are clearly visible in the long run. When approaching a design project, you simply can’t skip coming up with an efficient IA. The competency matrix is an effective tool discussed in the article on information architecture, which can be used to identify gaps in skills and knowledge and to create training plans for team members.

If you enjoyed reading this article about information architecture, you should check out this one on how to perform a website critique on your own project.

We also wrote about a few related subjects like loading bar, homepage design, login page and golden ratio in design.

The post Simple Guide to Information Architecture for Web Designers appeared first on Amelia WordPress Booking Plugin.

What many people don’t know is that the best artists in the world have always used certain aesthetic principles to make sure that their work is as close as possible to perfection.

From Da Vinci to Dali, famous artists have emphasized their native genius by consistently incorporating age-old design principles in each of their creations.

One of these principles is the golden ratio. If you’ve never heard about the golden ratio before, prepare for an amazing lecture created by our team at Amelia (probably the best WordPress reservation plugin).

Defining the Golden Ratio (the Golden Ratio Explanation)

If you’ve only just stumbled upon this term now, you will be amazed when learning more about it. By the end of this article, you will know how to use the golden ratio to create nearly perfect designs.

Ok, so what is the golden ratio?

First of all, you should know that the numbers associated with the golden ratio are 1:1.618. The mathematical equation that led to these numbers is a bit complicated, but it’s enough to remember the answer to be able to use it. When the ratio is used, you are building a golden ratio section, meaning that your work respects the 1:1.618 proportion.

If you really want to go into the math of this. The golden ratio is best approximated by the famous Fibonacci sequence. The Fibonacci sequence starts with 0 and 1, and continues by adding the previous two numbers. The next numbers in the Fibonacci sequence, for instance, are 1,2,3, and 5.

Designers of all types agree that following this principle typically leads to the most aesthetically-pleasing result, regardless of the subject.

In order to create instant visual appeal, you simply need to apply this so-called divine proportion, which is deep-rooted in mathematics and nature. The golden ratio is present everywhere around you, even though you might not be aware of it.

The great Egyptians used it when they built the Pyramids of Giza, Da Vinci included it in his famous La Gioconda, and even today big brands use it in their logos (Pepsi, Twitter, Apple, etc.).

Golden ratio in design has been used since ancient times. It is also known as the Golden Section, the Divine Proportion, or Phi (not to be mistaken for Pi).

The golden ratio grid appears when one line is divided into two different parts. The longer part of the golden section is further divided by the smaller part which is equal to the sum of the previous parts.

The longer part A, which is divided by B is equal to A+B/A. Mathematically, the result is 1.618 all the time.

Putting it simply, the golden formula (the golden ratio equation) looks like this:

Golden Ratio’s Importance in Design

Anything that helps to create a visually-pleasing effect is welcomed in the design industry. Most works of art are based on certain proportions, and these same proportions are used in architecture, painting, sculpture, photography, and more.

The use of the golden ratio in design is well-justified, as it offers structure and natural elegance. Because the human brain automatically perceives the golden ratio as aesthetic, using it in design generates a subconscious attraction. Even slight details that bring the design closer to the golden ratio grid can have a huge impact on the design.

The golden ratio grid should be used as a design tool that ensures that everything is placed correctly to generate the desired emotional response. In some cases, people apply the golden ratio principle without even realizing it, which is another proof that following the grid makes sense intuitively.

It is important to understand how golden ratio design works and then apply these rules to your own projects. Ultimately, the ratio helps to create harmony and keep elements balanced.

Considering that the first impression is essential in UX design, the golden ratio can also contribute to creating a feeling of natural comfort and harmony that keeps the user enchanted.

How Can You Use It in Design?

Golden ratio design can be applied in graphics, logos, product design, web design, or any other industry that is related to visual form. A website’s user interface is meant to attract users and keep them engaged, and this won’t happen unless it creates a good first impression by showing, not telling.

As a web designer, you have to make sure that the implementation of the golden ratio in design doesn’t negatively influence the user experience, and only enhances it. Here are a few tips on how to apply the golden ratio in web design:

Creating the perfect layout

Every designer knows how difficult it is to fit a lot of elements into a reduced amount of space. The golden ratio grid can help save the day when it is used to determine the dimensions of a layout and where each element will go.

An easy way to start a layout design is to set the dimensions to 1:1.618 from the very beginning and work with that framework going forward. The easiest approach is to use the basic 960 px width and divide it by 1.618. The obtained number should be used as a height.

Leaving enough space between elements

Many designers tend to forget the value of white space when putting together their layouts. It’s not always easy to imagine where to put negative space, but using the golden ratio will give you a sensible starting point.

Determining how much space you should leave behind elements without having a reference point can be time-consuming and require a lot of effort. Instead, use the golden ratio diagram. Use the squares to determine where you should use positive space and where you should use negative space. Now you don’t have to calculate proportions from scratch any longer.

Arranging content

The same idea goes for arranging content. Using the golden ratio in design allows you to determine where each element should go.

For this task, trace the golden spiral across the available space. You will find out what the center is and then arrange elements around it. Place the elements that are more important close to the focal point and the ones that are less important towards the edges of the spiral.

Creating a balanced composition

Another way of dividing the space using the golden ratio would be by separating the space into three different sections.

The sections won’t be equal, but they will respect the 1:1.618 ratio. Split the space and place the elements based on their importance.

Deciding what fonts to choose

Choosing between different typefaces is also complicated in the design process.

The golden ratio grid could be a great tool for selecting a typeface that meets the composition’s requirements.

If the body text is 10 px, multiply it by 1.618. You will obtain 16.18 px which can be rounded to 16 px. This is the size you should use for headings.

Designing a logo

There are a few shapes that are called golden: triangle, square, circle, and spiral.

When building a business logo, use a combination of golden shapes to create visual balance. Of course, you can embellish the logo using a lot of other design principles, but its base structure should be built using the golden ratio.

Tips to Follow When Using the Golden Ratio

Here are some other tips you may want to apply when using the golden ratio in design:

• Use the golden ratio to create grids for websites. If you apply the golden ratio to the basic size of a website layout, you will obtain a content area width of 846 px and a sidebar area of 520 px wide. Leave the height as it is when working with the sidebar and content area.
• You can use the golden ratio squares to determine how much space to leave between elements. Consider the golden rectangle for elements that are more important and smaller squares for elements that are less essential.
• Pay attention to golden ratio examples in design and see what difference they make. It will help you structure elements in your own projects.

FAQs about the golden ratio

1. What is the golden ratio and how is it calculated?

The larger amount to smaller quantity ratio must be equal to the ratio of the total of both quantities to the larger quantity in order to be considered the golden ratio, which is a mathematical notion. The Greek letter phi () is frequently used to represent this ratio, which has a rough value of 1.61803398875. There are numerous ways to compute it, such as utilizing the Fibonacci sequence and the square root of 5’s continuous fraction expansion.

2. What are some real-life examples of the golden ratio in nature and art?

The spiral patterns in seashells, tree branches, and the arrangement of leaves on stems are just a few examples of how the golden ratio appears in nature. The golden ratio has been utilized in artistic compositions, including the positioning of subjects in paintings and the creation of sculptures and architectural designs. Examples include the Parthenon in Greece and the Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci.

3. What is the significance of the golden ratio in architecture and design?

The golden ratio is important in architecture and design because it gives a building a sense of harmony and balance. The golden ratio is used by architects and designers to establish the proportions of structures, furniture, and other items. They frequently use the ratio while arranging floor plans, choosing window and door sizes, and placing ornamental features.

4. Can the golden ratio be found in the human body and facial features?

The human body exhibits the golden ratio, particularly in facial features. According to studies, the distance between the eyes, the length of the nose, and the distance between the forehead and the chin all have proportions that are similar to the golden ratio. These observations, however, have come under fire for being subjective and lacking in scientific rigor.

5. Is the golden ratio a universally accepted principle of beauty?

As a beauty rule, the golden ratio is not universally regarded. While many artists and designers have employed it throughout history, some detractors contend that doing so can result in formulaic and dependable creations. Others contend that as beauty is a matter of opinion, it cannot be summed up in a single mathematical ratio.

6. How has the golden ratio been used in music composition and instrument design?

The length of musical sections and the placement of musical motifs have both been based on the golden ratio in musical composition. The Stradivarius violin, which is supposed to have been built utilizing the golden ratio, is just one example of a piece of musical equipment that has been said to have been designed using it.

7. Is it possible to create an infinite sequence of numbers that follow the golden ratio?

The answer is that one can generate an unlimited series of numbers that adhere to the golden ratio. The Fibonacci sequence is a set of numbers where each number is the sum of the two numbers before it. The ratio of each number to the one before it gets closer to the golden ratio as the sequence goes on.

8. How has the golden ratio influenced mathematics and geometry?

The golden ratio has had a variety of effects on geometry and mathematics. It has been used to determine the characteristics of numerous geometric shapes, including the pentagon, dodecahedron, and icosahedron, as well as to solve problems in number theory. It has also been applied to the study of chaos theory and fractals.

9. Are there any criticisms or controversies surrounding the use of the golden ratio?

The subjectivity of the golden ratio and the dearth of concrete data to back up its application in design are some of its detractors. Some opponents contend that rather than being an innate concept of beauty, it is the result of cultural and historical biases. Also, the golden ratio can occasionally produce compositions that are too inflexible and predictable.

10. Can the golden ratio be applied in finance and investing?

In banking and investing, the golden ratio has been used in a number of ways, including technical analysis and the computation of risk ratios. Based on trends in stock prices, some investors use the golden ratio to decide when to purchase or sell equities. Although the efficacy of these strategies is in question, many financial experts do not use the golden ratio as their main tool when making investments.

Final thoughts on the golden ratio formula

Now you know what the golden ratio is and how it can be used in design, it’s time to put it into practice. Play with golden shapes and see how they impact your design and transform the overall look of the project. Keep in mind that the golden ratio might not apply to particular projects.

Ask for feedback and see what clients feel about it. Remain patient, as mastering the golden ratio in design could take years. Even so, memorize these handy tips and apply them whenever you have the chance and you will find your designs improving magically before your very eyes.

If you enjoyed reading this article on golden ratio in design, you should check out this one on login page design.

We also wrote about a few related subjects like loading bar, homepage design, website critique and information architecture.

The post Golden Ratio in Design: What You Need to Know About It appeared first on Amelia WordPress Booking Plugin.

Those who want to build a beautiful and responsive login page should read this article thoroughly and pay attention to all the aspects discussed below. The good news is that login pages are not difficult to build, as long as you follow some basic rules. Learn below more about this topic in this article created by our team at Amelia (the best booking plugin for WordPress).

The Importance of The Login Page Design

Before jumping into the do’s and don’ts of login page design, you should know what these pages do in the first place.

A login page is a door that users must open in order to get the best out of their user experience with a website.

It is the starting point of navigating a website in a personalized manner. By creating an account on a website, you get to customize some aspects of your experience with the site and get access to membership benefits.

Well-designed website login pages should inspire a sense of security. A poor login page will immediately influence your conversion rate because people are not going to sign up in the first place.

Designing a website login page properly is a condition of owning a website, considering that this page is most likely to be accessed by users at least once per browsing session. People who want to access their accounts can’t do it without reaching the login page, and if the login screen is not designed properly and it’s a pain to use, you’ll lose users.

Once you’ve figured out how important a beautiful and responsive this page is, it’s time to learn how to create a login page that makes users stay on the website and enjoy their experience. Here’s the list of do’s and don’ts:

The Do’s

Keep it clear

You can’t go wrong with a simple login form and clean design.

Cluttering the page and making the login forms difficult to notice or to reach will make users leave the website. Try to keep the login screen simple and make it starkly visible, so that visitors can find it fast.

Instead of creating a Log In/Sign Up form button and redirecting users to a new page, you can incorporate a login form on the homepage, to make it prominent and eye-catching, as well as convenient to use.

Once you have an envisioned login page, why not try using graphic design subscriptions to help you create your login pages? Some of these services offer web design work and have UI/UX pros to produce simple but beautiful login pages for your site.

Distinguish login and registration

Some login pages don’t make a clear distinction between the login form and the registration form. Signing up requires gathering more information from the person who wants to create an account while logging in requires using your previous credentials and accessing your website.

You need to make a clear distinction between the two, to avoid confusion. For instance, if a person tries to log in by using the registration form, they might get redirected to a page that has nothing to do with logging in but instead asks them to sign up again.

Logging in with external accounts

Taking into consideration that some people want to create an account as fast as possible, you need to give them plenty of registration options on the sign-up page. Your login page should contain an option that lets people sign up on your website using an external account.

This way, they won’t need to go through the lengthy registration process to make a purchase or add a comment on your site.

Add options for linking with Facebook, Google, or Twitter accounts. Keep in mind that you may no longer receive all the contact details you would normally require through a registration form.

Add a “Forgot your password?” option

People forget their passwords quite often, and it would be a hassle to contact support just because you don’t remember yours.

This is the reason why you’ll have to implement a “Forgot your password?” function on the login screen.

When users click it, they should receive a link in their email that lets them change their credentials and log in to the website without further issues. The WordPress admin login does this quite well.

Solving the Caps Lock issue

Mistyping the password on the login form is a common practice, and it mostly happens because Caps Lock is on. As you may have noticed while using other websites, some login forms let people know if their Caps Lock is on, to avoid making typos while writing.

This is a very helpful feature for websites that restrict the number of times an incorrect login can be entered before locking the user out.

Solving the mistyping issue

Even though the “Caps Lock” solution is effective on a login screen, you can also implement an option that unmasks the password while typing in the login form.

If the unmask option is checked, the user will be able to see what they type in the field. If it is left unchecked, the traditional masking symbols will appear instead.

Add a “Remember me” option

To reduce the number of people who request to change their passwords because they forgot them, it would be best to add a “Remember me” option at the end of the login form.

Once checked, this option saves the credentials, and each time that person accesses the page, their email and password will pop up in the form, or they will show up as already logged in.

The Don’ts

Similar “Sign In” and “Sign Up” buttons

This image presents the wrong way of designing the Sign In and Sign Up buttons:

It confuses users a lot. Is it a sign-in page or is it a sign-up page?

Instead of making them very similar, it’s best to differentiate these buttons and make it easy for the users to do what they’ve accessed the website for – to either login or create a new account.

Clicking one instead of the other by mistake could lead to a poor user experience by confusing the users and making them leave the website without further interaction. Use color, size, or some other contrast technique to make them visually distinct.

Modal logins

Using modal or tabbed logins is not a good practice because they require more steps from the user. They will need to click on the expandable menu, select login, and then fill out the form from there.

Instead, a login page should contain the Sign In/Sign Up options separately. Moreover, modal logins might lead to more customer support demands, as users may get confused as to how to find the Sign In form (which may not be obvious).

Hidden input fields

Hidden input fields shouldn’t be hard to find or tricky to use. Some browsers, including Chrome and Chrome alternatives, can retain information that users type in when they register on a new website.

To make the process easier and faster, the browser automatically fills fields that it recognizes, such as name, surname, address, phone number, and so on. If some fields are hidden or can only be accessed via a drop-down menu, the browser won’t be able to recognize the fields and autofill them.

Most login page templates look the same, so try not to stray too far from the conventional elements of such a template.

Asking for a username instead of an email

In the login form design, it would be recommended to ask people to sign in using their username instead of their email. This practice is not efficient because people are very likely to forget each username they use for each particular website they’ve accessed lately.

Instead, using their email on the login page can’t go wrong because it remains the same regardless of what website they navigate on. This is not a general rule, but it is a better practice that is proven to generate fewer customer support requests.

Restricting long passwords

Taking into account how important cybersecurity is today, passwords should be as long and complex as possible. If your login page limits users to using an eight-character password, they might give up registering because their account won’t be as secure as they would like.

Make sure that you set no max limit (or the highest possible) to the characters when users pick their password. This is a detail that could make the difference between gaining a user and losing one.

Overcomplicating things

You’ve probably been through this login process at least once: you access the login page, type in your credentials, and hit “Create an account”. Suddenly, you receive a mail with a temporary password that looks something like this: “akj12sd65l254kFJ”.

Then, you have to return to the website, use your email and the temporary password, and then change it with one of your choices. The process is indeed secure, but it is time-consuming and it often leads to people giving up. Keep the login page simple and the form even simpler.

FAQs about login page design

1. What are the best practices for designing a secure login page?

Strong password guidelines, SSL encryption, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) should all be used on a secure login page. In order to defend against attacks like SQL injection and cross-site scripting, it is also crucial to check user input (XSS). In order to avoid brute force assaults, login attempts should also be rate-limited, and error messages shouldn’t provide potential attackers too much information.

2. How can we ensure that users are able to easily remember their login credentials?

Users should be able to select their own username and password in order to make their login information easier to remember. Users can stay logged in for extended periods of time by including a “remember me” option on the login screen. Giving users password suggestions and reminders might also aid in their memory of their login information.

3. Should we include a “remember me” option on the login page?

By enabling users to stay logged in for longer periods of time, a “remember me” option can enhance user experience. But, if a user is viewing the website from a shared computer, it may potentially present a security concern. Users should be made aware of the dangers involved with the feature and given explicit instructions on how to turn it off.

4. What is the best way to handle failed login attempts on the login page?

When a user’s login attempt fails, a clear error message should be sent to them, telling them that their login credentials were invalid. It’s crucial to refrain from divulging unnecessary details, such as if the username or password was incorrect. In order to avoid brute force assaults, failed login attempts should also be limited in rate.

5. How can we make the login process as simple and user-friendly as possible?

The login page should be straightforward to find and navigate in order to make the login procedure easy and user-friendly. The form should also be straightforward to use, ask for only the information that is necessary, and only require a minimal quantity of information. Users might benefit from password tips and reminders to help them remember their login information.

6. What are the key elements that should be included on a login page?

A form for inputting login information, a link that says “lost password,” and a link to establish a new account are the essential components that must be present on a login page. In addition, a message that is clear and to the point should be provided to let the user know what the page is for.

7. Should we require users to create a username or can we allow them to log in with their email address?

Since customers are less likely to forget their email address than their username, allowing users to log in using their email address can make the login process simpler. Nonetheless, they should be available as an option if usernames are necessary for other reasons, such as showing a user’s unique identity.

8. What is the best way to handle password reset requests on the login page?

Requests for password resets ought to be handled by emailing the user’s email address a link that they can use to change their password. It’s critical to confirm the email address and guarantee that the link is only active for a brief period of time. The password reset page should also be encrypted using HTTPS and be safe.

9. How can we prevent brute force attacks on the login page?

Rate-limiting login attempts, which can slow down attackers and stop them from trying too many passwords quickly, can stop brute force attacks. In order to confirm that login attempts are being made by a human user and not a bot, CAPTCHA challenges can also be employed.

10. Should we allow users to log in with social media accounts on the login page?

By allowing users to log in using their social network accounts, you may make the login process easier and make it easier for consumers to remember their login information. But, it’s crucial to take into account how giving third parties access to customer data may affect their privacy. Also, individuals might hesitate to use this tool if they worry about the security of their social network accounts. Thus, it’s crucial to make sure the login procedure is safe and adheres to user privacy, as well as to clearly explain the advantages and risks of using social media accounts.

Keeping everyone happy when it comes to your login page

To keep your users happy, make your login forms simple and smooth, design the page properly, and give users the direction they need to access what they want.

Differentiate the SignUp/Sign In buttons and accentuate important features such as “Forgot password?”, “Remember me”, or “Show password”. A login page is a paramount component of web design, so pay careful attention to how you put it together and your users will thank you for it.

If you enjoyed reading this article about login page design, you should check out this one on golden ratio in design.

We also wrote about a few related subjects like loading bar, homepage design, website critique and information architecture.

The post Login Page Design: Do’s and Don’ts appeared first on Amelia WordPress Booking Plugin.

For example, an instant response is not possible when hefty database queries are needed to provide the user with what they want. Regardless of the reason, loading periods are a fact of life in web development, so it’s best to make the experience as comfortable as possible for the user.

A loading bar is a visual element that can be used to provide the user with some feedback during the loading process. Fortunately, web designers aren’t limited to only one standard type of progress indicator, and there are many ways to create them.

Keep reading more about this topic in this article to learn how to create a loading bar that suits your interface best.

What Should You Know About A Progress Indicator?

A loading bar is highly effective in keeping users patient while data is fetched. Because all users have high expectations when it comes to how fast an interface is, given today’s trends, you will need to meet those expectations by leaving a good impression.

Since you can’t actively communicate with the users while they are waiting, you must use a loading bar as a virtual way to communicate with them and let them know for how long they have to wait. This is a great way to be transparent and the only thing worse than an ugly progress bar is having no progress bar at all.

A good loading bar should make the user feel like something is being accomplished, and how long it will take to finish. To achieve this result, your loading bar should answer the following questions:

• How much time will be required to complete the activity?
• What is the current status at the moment?

More generally, progress bars can also be used to keep track of a user’s activity in an app or on a website. The progress bar will fill as the user engages and finishes certain activities on the interface. Such indicators require immediate feedback to notify users about their status.

Loading bars have the following benefits:

• They reduce the level of uncertainty that users face when using an interface, meaning that the progress bar keeps the user assured that the interface is doing something.
• They offer a purpose for waiting, thus making users more patient. A good loading bar will catch the attention of the user and alter their perception of time in a positive manner, making waiting more bearable.

Types of Loading Bars

Looped

Looped animation loading bars are graphic elements that repeat themselves over and over. They are meant to let the user know that the system is working, but they don’t let the user know how much time is required until the interface is ready to use.

This type of loading bar is recommended for loading screens that don’t last more than 10 seconds, as they are aesthetically pleasing but not appropriate for long loading times because they can induce the feeling of uncertainty, which is exactly what we want to avoid by using progress bars.

Linear

Loading bars with linear animation are much friendlier for interfaces that require showing actual progress. They go from 0 to 100 and they can’t decrease in value, which is why they are called linear bars.

These are probably the most popular type of progress bars which are seen on most platforms, regardless of their type. They can also be used for multi-operation processes by adding markers along the way to notify the user that one process is done and the other is beginning.

Skeleton

Finally, skeleton screens are used for longer waiting times because they include temporary information. Skeleton screens are meant to distract users from the actual waiting process and offer them valuable bits of information to digest while the interface is loading.

These are often seen in OS update loading screens or games. Using a skeleton screen is a great way to shift the attention of the user towards the information rather than how long the waiting time is, as in the case of linear loading bars.

What to Do When Designing A Loading Bar?

Everyone has stumbled up on a progress bar at least once in a lifetime because, as mentioned, they are largely unavoidable in all areas of computing, online or otherwise.

Designers always try to innovate how a loading bar looks to keep the users happy while they wait. It’s a good idea to get creative with progress bars, and hereare some tips on how to do it:

1. Let people know what they are waiting for. Informing users about the purpose of the waiting process is mandatory. You can’t simply throw an empty loading bar at them and have them wait minutes and minutes. Fill the space with valuable information such as how much time is left.
2. Make the loading bar fit the rest of your design scheme. Don’t create a progress bar that has nothing to do with how your interface works. Use a similar color scheme and the same style used for your branding. You can add your logo or mascot next to the bar as well.
3. Always include a true timeframe. For instance, if the loading process usually takes around 1 minute, mention that below the progress bar. Don’t try to lie by saying that it will take one minute, when in fact it takes 5. Be as close to the truth as possible.
4. Instead of showing a percentage between 0 and 100, you should try to use steps. For instance, if the loading process has 3 steps, make the loading bar 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3. It would be easier to wait for it to load this way.
5. Use animations to make it dynamic. As mentioned before, you need to distract the user from the fact that they are waiting. Use all sorts of animations to direct the attention of the users towards something else. You can also make the loading bar interactive.
6. Users should be able to pause or cancel the loading process. This doesn’t apply for all situations, but if you are designing a progress bar for an update, you should consider these options.
7. Make the last part of the loading process the fastest. A progress bar that loads fast near the end of the process gives the effect of a shorter loading time than in the opposite case. It is easier to tolerate, and people enjoy these more.

What Not to Do When Designing A Loading Bar?

Even though you may have plenty of freedom when it comes to designing a loading bar, you need to stay away from this list of common mistakes:

1. Don’t use static loading bars. These are indicators that do not move and only let the user know that they should wait. You might have seen the message “Please wait” while using a platform. That is an example of a static loading bar. They don’t offer enough information, they are not engaging, they don’t distract the user, and they are not aesthetic either.
2. Don’t give the wrong information. As mentioned before, you need to stay true to your users. Don’t create a progress bar that fills to 90% in a few seconds and takes minutes for the last 10% to load. Make it even and specify the correct time remaining.
3. Make sure that the progress bar is constantly moving. A loading bar that stagnates for a long time will give the impression that the platform crashed. This behavior frustrates users, so you might want to give this aspect more attention.
4. Avoid transitioning between different types of progress bars. Don’t use a spinner and then move to a linear loading bar. It’s best to maintain the style throughout the whole platform.

Ending thoughts on these Loading Bar Designs

If you follow all the tips and tricks presented in this article, you have nothing to worry about. People will definitely enjoy a loading bar that meets all the criteria mentioned here. Progress bars are details that make a huge difference in the long run, so take the time to design it right.

If an app takes forever to load and no loading bar is included, the user is more likely to leave the platform immediately rather than wait for it to load. The whole purpose of using a progress bar is to make users feel in control and comfortable. They need to be notified about the platform’s current status at any given moment. And don’t forget to get creative with it!

We hope you enjoyed reading this article about loading bar design created by the team at Amelia (the best booking plugin for WordPress).

You should also check out this one on homepage design.

We also wrote about a few related subjects like login page, golden ratio in design, website critique and information architecture.

The post Loading Bar Design: Do’s and Don’ts You Should Know appeared first on Amelia WordPress Booking Plugin.

All websites have a homepage, which is the page that welcomes users to the site. Without a well-designed homepage, people are likely to exit the site quickly without interacting with it in any way. This is why anyone who owns a website should pay the utmost attention to homepage design and to all the elements that make it truly welcoming. This article created by our team at Amelia (the WordPress booking plugin) is here to help. Continue reading how to design a homepage correctly by learning which mistakes to avoid right from the start.

The most common homepage design mistakes

You don’t state what you are doing in a clear manner

Example of how it should be done

Homepages are meant to be a virtual door that allows users to take a peek at what is inside. Through careful messaging, you need to ensure your homepage includes a bold statement to help people quickly understand what your website is all about. Does your current homepage tell users enough about what you do or what are you trying to present, all of which can be understood at a glance?If not, it’s time to re-evaluate your messaging. When coming up with a new, easily-understood welcome message, be sure to take into account your target audience, your field of interest, and the overall purpose of your website.

Your homepage is chaotic

Homepage design should strike a reasonable balance between too much information and too little information. Your website’s homepage will act as a lure for users, so you have to create a layout that stirs curiosity. Provide just enough information to make them curious, but not so much as to overwhelm them with everything they can find on the site. This way, you will encourage them to browse further. Organize the content carefully and keep it tidy. A cluttered homepage will not inspire faith in the rest of your website.

You didn’t include CTAs

It’s no secret that Internet users can be impatient, going from one website to another looking for exactly what they need. Spending a lot of time on one site just to find a contact button, for example, is not convenient. This is why you should include clearly visible Call-To-Action buttons in your homepage design, no matter what your website is about. The worst websites include zero clues to guide people when navigating. Through CTAs, you give people some direction, making the overall user experience more pleasurable.

Lead capture is overlooked

Example of how it should be done

Users don’t normally purchase something a few seconds after they’ve accessed a site. Instead, they look around, assessing your homepage carefully before they make a decision to interact. Homepage design is thus a great tool for lead conversion and can be used to quickly win the user’s trust when done right. Enhance your users’ trust by promoting special offers such as discounts or free delivery on the first order placed. Even if you don’t make a sale or win the user’s business right there and then, you can always use your list of leads to entice your potential customers to come back and purchase later.

You don’t have an email sales funnel

Example of how it should be done

Successful homepage designs often include a pop-up newsletter form to collect users’ emails. An email list can help you generate more business in the future with targeted marketing campaigns, and setting up an email sales funnel on the homepage of the site is not difficult. The form should simply ask users to type in their email address in return for something that you offer (a discount, freebies, free delivery, or similar). Get creative with this form. The more interesting it is, the higher the chance to make people leave their contact details. Once you have a sizable list, plan and create a sales funnel that you can use to entice users with future promotions as well as up-sells and cross-sells.

Hick’s Law is ignored

In homepage design, you should always take into account Hick’s Law. This law states that the more options a user has on a page, the more time they will spend analyzing each. That is especially true when designing a homepage. A good homepage will give the user enough options to allow them to make a choice that suits them best, but not too many options so as to prevent a decision from ever taking place.

Carousels instead of hero areas

Even though some designers consider that using carousels and sliders in their homepage design is a good idea, it isn’t always so. This is because carousels rotate content haphazardly instead of presenting it with careful intention. Instead, you should use hero areas that include the most important, curated information gathered in one single place. Make sure it is responsive and personalized for the best result.

Tabbed sections instead of scrolling

Using tabbed sections in homepage design is not the best approach. Why? People will focus on the upper side of the page and won’t bother to look for other bits of content that you include on it. People prefer scrolling when navigating on a site, so you may want to consider that when structuring your homepage. Tabbed sections may work in particular situations, though, when all the information you want to present won’t fit neatly on one page.

Content selection is inappropriate

Example of how it should be done

Visuals are much more impactful than written content, especially on the homepage. Not using the appropriate visual content when designing your homepage can lead to confused or unsure visitors. Using a news feed as your homepage won’t do the job, either. You should only include well-curated content of great importance and relevance to attract the user’s attention and keep it active.

Using H1s improperly

H1s represent the headings of your homepage as they use the biggest font size. Using too many H1s might make the users distracted, which is not the result you desire. In homepage design, it’s important to keep a balance when structuring written content. Keep the H1s limited and containing less than 8 words, while making the rest of the content smaller in size. This will help users scan the website faster and find exactly which passages they are looking for.

Elements that all homepages should include

In order to come up with the best design for your homepage, you need to experiment with multiple layouts and see which one fits your (and your users’) needs the best. In homepage design, you need to take into account a lot of different aspects and incorporate them in a unique manner on your site. The elements that all homepages should include are:

A clear statement

Tell your visitors what your website’s purpose is and what actions they can engage in while they are on your site. Even though this is an essential step, some people tend to overlook it because they consider it irrelevant. In fact, this is the crucial element that makes the difference between a good homepage and a bad one.

Some links to social media accounts

If you want people to engage with your social media accounts, placing highly visible buttons on the homepage is a great idea. Don’t skip this step if you are planning to expand your social media community.

An intuitive navigation system

This is pretty self-explanatory. A good navigation system is the cornerstone of your whole website. Any first-time visitor will pay attention to both the looks of your homepage and how smoothly it runs. Invest the necessary amount of time into making it responsive.

Written content

Homepage design is not all about how it looks, but how the page is filled as well. A great visual layout will be in vain if the homepage is filled with gibberish. Make sure that your content is high-quality and relevant for the user.

Visuals

Last, but not least, use high-quality visuals. You can use professional photos, animations, videos, or anything that may suit your website’s niche. Remember to be selective so as not to clutter your homepage. Use just enough visuals to catch the attention of the users and intertwine these elements with well-worded written content for best results.

Wrapping it up

These were just a few of the mistakes that people make in homepage design. Many others may show up in the process, and it’s your job to determine what to do when bad design raises its ugly head. But if you stick with the principles of what to avoid listed in this article, then your homepage should already be better than millions of websites out there.

If you enjoyed reading this article about homepage design, you should check out this one on loading bar.

We also wrote about a few related subjects like login page, golden ratio in design, website critique and information architecture. But also an interesting piece with table plugin examples.

The post Homepage Design: 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Creating One appeared first on Amelia WordPress Booking Plugin.