Web Design Layout Best Practices Print
bestlayoutYou may have stumbled across one before; some websites are simply impossible to navigate!  Unfriendly websites are caused by a web designer who ignores web design best practices to create a wonderfully impractical website. 

The model shown here gives you a very simple illustration which describes the general layout a website should have.  Some web designers may choose to include navigation in the header, or a second navigation column on the right, but the overall prinicipal still applies.

The header will contain a topical overview of the current page, or website.
The navigation column will contain site wide or category specific links which give the site a common menu structure.
The main content area will contain the great majority of the page's information.
The footer will display site wide information such as copyright, privacy policy, and any other closing information.

Here are some indications that your site is not following these best practices properly.
  1. Header is too big.  If you find yourself constantly scrolling down on your website, you should consider a smaller header which makes better use of the limited space on the computer screen.
  2. Navigation is on the right.  Western writing systems as well as industry standards compel most visitors to look to the left for navigation.  If your navigation menu is on the right, it could be a source of frustration for your visitors.
  3. Hidden navigation.  Navigation areas should be clearly defined, separate, and easy to locate.  If your navigation is hidden within the page, your visitors may find it easier to simply push the big red X and close your website!
  4. Overwhelming navigation.  As you can see in the model, the "main content" should consume the great majority of the page.  If you have excessive navigation menus or advertising, your content area will shrink and force your visitors to scroll.  You should always assume that your visitors hate to scroll.  Try to consolidate your menus and advertising to create a more efficient web design.