The experience of good web site design feels like settling into a comfortable chair. However, when the design is visually exhausting, it repels the user instead of inviting him or her in. Let’s take a look at how two yoga studios present themselves on the web and see how we feel about them.
First, the Dog
When I look at the home page of Laughing Dog Yoga the first things I notice are a) the layout feels awkward and b) there are way too many fonts. The layout is basically an endless list. This creates big blank spaces. It makes my eyes tired to scroll through it. On a more personal level, I find the color scheme unattractive.
Font Crazy
There are six different fonts in the left navigation pane and five different fonts in the content area, for a total of 11 different font variations. Fonts vary by color, size, style (bold, italic, etc.) and typeface.
Note the links in the navigation pane are all caps and in white with a drop shadow for an overall blurry (that means hard to read) effect.
The design principles of repetition and clarity should govern your font selection. Too much variety prevents the user from finding and focusing on information.
My overall experience: Uncomfortable
The Lotus – Love Those Colors
By contrast, Mudita Yoga Studio features a beautifully composed photo on the home page.
Look closely at the colors in the lotus blossom. You’ll see these same colors used throughout the site for backgrounds and borders. A collection of related colors form a color palette and this is one characteristic of good design.
I see only three fonts used on the home page. Each one is distinct and each one has a function. There is a font for the name of the business, a font for the navigation buttons, and a font for the main content. Immediately my eye understands and I feel comfortable reading and investigating the site further. I might revisit the sight later just to enjoy the photos. If some of the photos change, that’s even better.
My overall experience: Enchanted
What do you think? Which site do you prefer? Send me a link to another yoga site and tell me how the design affects you.
Analysis by Smart Alice Web Design.
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