I. Introduction
The way we design websites is constantly evolving, and 2024 is no different. What worked a couple of years ago—heck, even last year—might now be more outdated than your dusty old MySpace profile (remember those?). Today, best practices for website design are all about balancing sleek, user-friendly interfaces with speed, accessibility, and, of course, that “wow” factor.
Table of Contents
But here’s the thing: It’s not just about knowing the right things to do, it’s also about steering clear of some seriously outdated trends. You know, the ones that make visitors click the back button faster than they clicked on your link in the first place. The good news? We’re here to walk you through what’s hot, what’s not, and why following these best practices can help you stay ahead of the game in 2024.
From mobile-first web design (because, let’s face it, most of us are glued to our phones) to AI-driven personalisation (creepy, but in a good way), we’ll break down everything you need to know. Plus, we’ll throw in a few design disasters to avoid so you don’t fall into the trap of using ancient techniques like flash intros. (We know, we can’t believe they were ever a thing either!)
So, buckle up—wait, scratch that, no buckle ups here—and let’s dive into the world of 2024 web design where sleek UX, fast-loading pages, and accessibility rule the land.
But, before we start, let’s always keep this quote below from Paul Rand in the back of our mind when trying to break new ground or attempt something new:
The public is more familiar with bad design than good design. It is, in effect, conditioned to prefer bad design, because that is what it lives with. The new becomes threatening, the old reassuring.
Paul Rand
II. Foundational Web Design Principles
Alright, before we get into the flashy trends of 2024, let’s talk basics. You wouldn’t build a house on a shaky foundation, right?
The same goes for websites. Foundational web design principles are the bread and butter that make your site functional, engaging, and—most importantly—useful. And honestly, without these, even the coolest animations or AI-powered widgets won’t save your site from a one-way trip to bounce-ville.
A. Effective Use of White Space
Ever feel like some websites are practically yelling at you with a million things going on at once? That’s where white space (also called negative space) comes in.
Think of it as the quiet hero of web design—it gives your content room to breathe and lets your users focus on the important stuff without feeling overwhelmed. Like a good cup of coffee, sometimes less is more.
Plus, white space is a great way to improve readability and make your site feel modern and clean. Trust us, clutter is so 2005.
B. Colour Schemes
Choosing a colour scheme can feel like picking out an outfit for the biggest party of the year—it’s gotta be just right. Your website’s colours should align with your brand identity and evoke the emotions you want your users to feel (whether that’s trust, excitement, or even a little sense of mystery).
Just make sure you don’t go overboard with neon hues. Also, don’t forget about accessibility—ensure enough contrast between text and background colours so everyone can read your content. Bold is good, blinding is not.
C. Typography
If fonts had personalities, Comic Sans would be the awkward uncle at a family gathering. For 2024, we’re sticking to clean, readable typography that works across devices. No more wild font experiments that leave users squinting at their screens!
Consistency is key—keep your fonts and styles uniform throughout the site, and use different weights or sizes to guide users through your content.
When done right, typography helps build visual hierarchy, which we’ll talk about in a second. Bottom line: If your text isn’t readable, nothing else matters.
D. Visual Hierarchy
Think of visual hierarchy as your website’s GPS—it guides users through your content, telling them what’s important and what to do next.
You want your visitors to know exactly where their eyes should go, whether it’s a headline, a call-to-action (CTA) button, or an image. This is where things like font size, colour contrast, and layout come into play. Make sure your most critical info pops out—whether that’s your new product launch or your witty tagline—so no one misses the good stuff.
When you combine these foundational elements, you’ve got a website that’s not just pretty, but also smart, functional, and ready to tackle whatever 2024 throws at it. Because without these solid principles, all those fancy trends we’ll cover later are just lipstick on a pig. Or in this case, a website.
E. Foundation Recap
- White Space: Use negative space to avoid clutter and improve readability.
- Colour Schemes: Align colours with your brand identity and ensure high contrast for accessibility.
- Typography: Choose clean, readable fonts and maintain consistency across the site.
- Visual Hierarchy: Guide users’ attention using font size, contrast, and layout to highlight key information.
III. Best Practices for User Experience (UX)
So, you’ve got the foundational stuff down—awesome. But now, it’s time to make your website not just look good, but feel good. That’s where User Experience (UX) comes into play.
Think of it like this: If your website were a restaurant, UX would be the smooth service that keeps people coming back, even if the decor is Instagram-worthy. People need to enjoy being on your site. If they have to solve a puzzle just to find the “Contact Us” page, you’ve already lost them.
Let’s break down the top best practices for web design when it comes to user experience in 2024:
A. Simple, Intuitive Navigation
We’ve all been there—stumbling around a website like we’re lost in a corn maze, wondering where the heck that “About Us” page is hiding. Navigation should be as simple and intuitive as possible. Sticky menus or drop-down menus are great for keeping things organised without cluttering up the screen.
The goal is to make sure users can get anywhere on your site in just a few clicks. Think less “choose your own adventure” and more “find what you need instantly.”
B. Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons
A CTA should be the shining beacon on your website. If users don’t know what action to take next, you’ve missed an opportunity. Make sure your CTAs stand out visually—bold colours, clear text, and prominent placement are key here. It’s like giving someone a giant, friendly neon sign that says, “Hey! Click me!”
Whether it’s downloading an ebook, signing up for a newsletter, or adding a product to their cart, your CTAs should be obvious and enticing.
C. Mobile Optimisation
If your website isn’t optimised for mobile in 2024, let’s be real—it’s pretty much invisible. With more than 50% of global web traffic coming from mobile devices, mobile-first design isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a must.
This means your site needs to be responsive, with simplified navigation, fast loading times, and layouts that look great on any screen size. Nobody wants to zoom in and out like they’re playing Tetris just to read your blog post.
D. Performance Optimisation
Speed matters—a lot. We live in an era where people abandon a web page if it takes more than a couple of seconds to load. Performance optimisation is all about keeping your website lightning-fast across all devices. Compress those images, minify your code, and make sure every corner of your site is running smoothly.
Your users will thank you, and so will Google, because speed is a ranking factor in SEO. Win-win.
E. UX Recap
- Simple Navigation: Use sticky or drop-down menus for easy site navigation.
- CTA Buttons: Make CTAs bold, clear, and easy to find to encourage action.
- Mobile Optimisation: Ensure your site is responsive and mobile-first in web design.
- Performance Optimisation: Keep your site fast with image compression and clean code.
By focusing on these UX best practices, you’ll create a website that’s not only functional but also enjoyable to use—keeping users around longer and more likely to convert.
IV. Content and Media
Content may be king, but in 2024, it’s the whole kingdom. Your website isn’t just a collection of pretty pictures and buttons; it’s a platform to inform, engage, and convert your visitors.
And when we say content, we’re talking everything from words to images to videos—all the stuff that keeps people scrolling and clicking instead of yawning and leaving.
So, let’s dig into the best practices for web design when it comes to crafting top-notch content and media.
A. High-Quality Content
Let’s start with the obvious: High-quality content is essential. We’re not just talking about some fluffy paragraphs stuffed with keywords. We mean content that’s relevant, informative, and easy to scan.
People don’t read online like they do with a book—they skim. So use short paragraphs, bullet points (like these!), and headings to break things up. When your content provides value—whether it’s a blog post, product description, or a FAQ page—people stay on your site longer, and search engines love that.
B. Use of Images and Videos
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a high-quality, optimised image is priceless. Same goes for videos. Visual elements can do wonders for engaging visitors, but only if they’re relevant and well-executed.
Don’t just throw a stock photo in for the sake of it; make sure every image and video supports your content. Also, optimise these media files for quick loading—slow web pages will have people bouncing faster than a rubber ball at a trampoline park.
C. Consistent Branding
Brand consistency across your website isn’t just about looking professional—it’s about trust. Whether it’s the colours, fonts, or imagery, everything should align with your brand identity.
When visitors see a unified look and feel across your site, they know they’re dealing with a business that pays attention to the details. If your website is using three different fonts and a rainbow of colours, it’ll feel more like a web design experiment than a brand presence.
E. Content and Media Recap
- High-Quality Content: Write relevant, informative, and easy-to-scan content that adds value.
- Images & Videos: Use high-quality, relevant media and optimise for fast load times.
- Consistent Branding: Maintain consistency in colours, fonts, and imagery to build trust.
By nailing your content and media strategy, you’ll create a site that not only looks great but also keeps visitors coming back for more, turning casual browsers into loyal fans or customers.
V. Accessibility and Inclusivity
In 2024, accessibility isn’t just a buzzword—it’s an absolute must. We’re talking about making your website usable for everyone, including people with disabilities. Plus, let’s be real, you want as many people as possible to enjoy your site, right?
Accessibility isn’t just good ethics, it’s good business. Not to mention, search engines reward accessible websites, so it’s a total win-win.
But accessibility goes hand-in-hand with inclusivity—a broader philosophy that ensures your website is welcoming and usable for all audiences, regardless of physical ability, device, or even geographical location. Let’s break down the best practices that will help you create a more accessible and inclusive site.
A. Colour Contrast
We get it—picking trendy colour schemes can be fun. But if your text blends into the background like a ninja in the night, it’s not going to do you any favours.
High colour contrast is essential for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. Use tools like contrast checkers to make sure your colours don’t just look good—they also work for everyone.
B. Keyboard Navigation
Not everyone uses a mouse to navigate a website. Whether due to disability or personal preference, many users rely on a keyboard to get around.
Make sure your site is fully navigable via keyboard—this means users should be able to access menus, buttons, and other interactive elements without a mouse. Think of it like giving people the keys to the castle—literally.
C. Alt Text for Images
Alt text is one of those accessibility features that often gets overlooked, but it’s incredibly important.
This text is read aloud by screen readers to describe images for visually impaired users. It’s also useful for search engines to understand the content of your images, so yes, it’s an SEO boost too. Make sure every image on your site has descriptive, meaningful alt text—it’s like adding subtitles for your visuals.
E. Accessibility Recap
- Colour Contrast: Ensure high contrast between text and background for readability.
- Keyboard Navigation: Make your website fully navigable via keyboard for users who can’t use a mouse.
- Alt Text for Images: Include descriptive alt text for all images to support visually impaired users and improve SEO.
By making your website more accessible and inclusive, you’re not just checking off a box—you’re making sure that everyone can engage with your content, creating a better user experience and improving your search engine rankings at the same time. Inclusivity is the future, and in 2024, it’s here to stay.
VI. Web Design Practices to Avoid in 2024
While we’ve been talking all about the dos, it’s time to get into the don’ts. Let’s face it, not everything in web design is timeless—some trends need to be left behind faster than MySpace.
Following the latest best practices for web design means you also need to avoid some traps that will make your site feel more outdated than a flip phone.
So, if you’re still clinging to a few of these, consider this your official nudge to let them go.
A. Overusing Pop-Ups and Ads
Look, we know pop-ups can be effective for conversions, but let’s not turn your website into a pop-up carnival. Nothing makes visitors slam the back button faster than being bombarded with annoying pop-ups every few seconds.
If you must use them, keep it to a minimum and time them wisely (no one likes an exit-intent pop-up when they’ve just arrived on your homepage). And for the love of user experience, avoid invasive ads. They’re not only disruptive but can also slow down your site.
B. Complicated Navigation
You know those websites that make you feel like you need a treasure map just to find the “Contact Us” page? Yeah, don’t do that. Complicated navigation is a huge turnoff.
If users can’t figure out how to move through your site easily, they’ll leave before you even get a chance to impress them with your amazing content or products. Stick to clear, simple menus with easy access to key web pages. Pro tip: Avoid hiding important links in a “hamburger” menu on desktop—save that trick for mobile.
C. Ignoring Mobile Optimisation
This one should be obvious by now, but if your site still isn’t mobile-friendly in 2024, you’re in trouble. Mobile optimisation isn’t just a bonus feature; it’s a necessity.
Remember, more than half of web traffic is mobile, so if users are greeted by a site they have to pinch and zoom their way through, they’ll be out of there faster than you can say “responsive design.” Make sure your layouts are optimised for smaller screens, and test how your site performs on different devices.
D. Outdated Design Trends
We get it—some web design trends are hard to let go of. But things like autoplay videos, cheesy animations, and cluttered layouts? They’re relics of the past. In 2024, simplicity and function trump flashy gimmicks. Clean, minimalist design is in, and your users will appreciate the modern look and improved usability.
Autoplaying a video the second someone lands on your site is more likely to scare them off than engage them, so let’s leave that trick behind for good.
E. Web Design Practices to Avoid Recap
- Overusing Pop-Ups/Ads: Use pop-ups sparingly and avoid intrusive ads that disrupt the user experience.
- Complicated Navigation: Keep menus simple and intuitive so users can easily find what they need.
- Ignoring Mobile Optimisation: Ensure your site is fully optimised for mobile devices to keep users engaged.
- Outdated Design Trends: Ditch autoplay videos and over-the-top animations in favor of clean, minimalist designs.
By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll keep your website looking fresh, user-friendly, and ready for 2024. Let’s leave the clutter and confusion in the past where they belong—your visitors (and Google) will thank you!
VII. 2024-Specific Trends and Innovations
Welcome to the future! Web design in 2024 is all about blending functionality with fresh, cutting-edge trends that make your website stand out from the crowd.
It’s not just about looking cool (although that helps); it’s about creating engaging experiences that keep users coming back for more. In this section, we’ll break down the best practices that are set to dominate 2024 and how you can integrate these innovations to take your site to the next level.
A. Minimalist and Clean Design
Simplicity is here to stay. In 2024, minimalist design is still king. Clutter is the enemy, and the goal is to provide users with a clean, straightforward experience that’s easy on the eyes and even easier to navigate.
Think bold typography, plenty of white space, and just enough colour to highlight what matters. Minimalist design not only enhances usability but also speeds up your website by cutting down on heavy elements—double win!
B. Interactivity
In 2024, it’s not enough for users to just passively scroll through your site—they want to interact with it. Adding interactive elements like infographics, quizzes, or even simple hover effects can keep users engaged and increase the time they spend on your site.
Interactive content is fun, memorable, and can help drive conversions by making the browsing experience feel more dynamic. Just make sure it’s meaningful—there’s no point in adding a fancy animation if it doesn’t serve a purpose.
C. AI-Driven Personalisation
Creepy? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. AI-driven personalisation is taking over, and for good reason. By using artificial intelligence to tailor content and recommendations based on a user’s behaviour or preferences, you can create a more relevant and customised experience.
Whether it’s product suggestions, personalised web pages, or targeted content, AI allows you to connect with users in a way that feels like the website is speaking directly to them. Just, you know, don’t make it too creepy.
D. Sustainability
As we move further into 2024, sustainable web design is becoming a big deal. With a growing awareness of environmental issues, web designers are starting to adopt eco-friendly practices, like optimising sites to reduce energy consumption (yep, websites have a carbon footprint too).
This might mean reducing large data transfers, choosing green hosting providers, or simply designing your site to load faster, which saves energy. Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a responsibility, and users are starting to care about it more than ever.
E. 2024 Trends Recap
- Minimalist Design: Keep it clean, simple, and easy to navigate with minimal elements and bold typography.
- Interactivity: Add engaging interactive elements like quizzes and hover effects to keep users engaged.
- AI-Driven Personalisation: Use AI to create customised user experiences and personalised content.
- Sustainability: Adopt eco-friendly web design practices to reduce your site’s environmental impact.
By embracing these 2024 trends and innovations, your website won’t just look great—it’ll feel fresh, personalised, and forward-thinking. It’s all about merging the latest technologies with design that truly works for your users and the planet.
VIII. Bonus - SEO Optimisation Tips
You’ve got the design down, but what good is a gorgeous website if no one can find it?
That’s where SEO optimisation comes into play. It’s the secret sauce that helps your site climb the search engine rankings and attract more visitors. But SEO isn’t just about sprinkling in a few keywords and hoping for the best—2024 requires a more thoughtful, strategic approach.
So here are our top bonus SEO optimisation tips to ensure your beautifully designed site gets the traffic it deserves.
A. Write Meta Descriptions and Title Tags
Don’t sleep on your meta descriptions and title tags. These little snippets are what show up in search results and play a big role in whether people actually click on your link. Craft compelling, keyword-optimised meta descriptions that encourage users to click through.
Keep them within the recommended length (50-60 characters for title tags, 150-160 for meta descriptions) and make sure they accurately represent your content.
B. Use Header Tags for Structure
Proper use of header tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) not only helps with readability but also gives search engines a clear understanding of your site’s structure. Your H1 should be your main title, and subsequent headings should break up content in a logical way.
Plus, incorporating keywords in your headers can give your SEO a nice little boost.
C. Optimise for Core Web Vitals
In 2024, Google is paying more attention to Core Web Vitals—metrics that measure the overall user experience, including load time, interactivity, and layout stability. Make sure your website is optimised for these factors, as they directly impact both user satisfaction and your search rankings.
D. Focus on High-Quality Content
Google loves content that’s valuable, relevant, and user-focused. Gone are the days of keyword-stuffing for the sake of ranking. Instead, focus on creating in-depth, high-quality content that answers users’ questions and solves their problems.
Bonus points if it’s easy to scan and structured in a way that’s both readable for humans and understandable for search engines.
E. Implement Internal Linking
Don’t forget about internal linking! Linking to other web pages on your site helps guide users to related content and keeps them engaged longer. Plus, it signals to search engines that your site has depth and authority.
Just make sure your links are relevant and not forced—nobody likes a spammy link-filled page.
F. Secure Your Site with HTTPS
Security matters. If your site doesn’t have HTTPS by now, it’s time to make the switch. Not only does HTTPS protect your users’ data, but it’s also a ranking factor in Google’s algorithm. Make sure your site is secure to build trust with both users and search engines.
G. Keep an Eye on User Engagement Metrics
Google uses metrics like bounce rate, time on site, and pages per session to gauge how satisfied users are with your content. If people are leaving your site after a few seconds, that’s a red flag. Make sure your content is engaging, easy to navigate, and aligned with user intent to keep them sticking around.
H. Other Mentions
Don’t forget the importance of mobile design, site speed and image ALT tags, as these are just as important for SEO as web design.
I. SEO Bonus Recap
- Write Meta Descriptions & Title Tags: Optimise for clicks with compelling, keyword-rich snippets.
- Use Header Tags: Structure your content clearly with H1s, H2s, and more.
- Optimise for Core Web Vitals: Pay attention to load time, interactivity, and layout stability.
- Focus on High-Quality Content: Prioritise valuable, user-focused content over keyword stuffing.
- Implement Internal Linking: Help users and search engines explore your site more deeply.
- Secure Your Site with HTTPS: Boost trust and SEO with a secure site.
- Track User Engagement: Keep an eye on bounce rates and time on site to improve satisfaction.
By following these SEO optimisation tips, you’ll ensure that your beautiful, well-designed site doesn’t just look good—it performs well in search rankings, too. After all, what’s the point of having the best website in the world if no one’s able to find it?
IX. Conclusion
We’re now at the end, we’ve taken a deep dive into the best practices for website design in 2024, and here’s the bottom line:
Whether you’re revamping an existing site or starting from scratch, sticking to these principles is going to keep you ahead of the curve (and your competition). From mastering foundational elements like white space and typography to embracing new trends like AI-driven personalisation and sustainable design, the goal is to create a site that’s not only visually appealing but also functional, accessible, and ready to deliver an unforgettable user experience.
But remember, it’s not just about what you should do—it’s also about what to avoid. Overusing pop-ups, ignoring mobile users, or clinging to outdated design trends will send your visitors packing faster than a slow-loading homepage. Keep things simple, smart, and user-focused, and you’ll have a website that works for everyone.
So, are you ready to implement these web design best practices? Whether you need a complete overhaul or just a few tweaks, following these tips will ensure your website is fresh, fast, and future-proofed for 2024 and beyond.
Need help getting there? Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to help you build a site that wows your audience and ranks high on Google.
Final Recap: Key Takeaways for Website Design in 2024
- Master the Basics: Nail foundational principles like white space, colour schemes, and visual hierarchy.
- Prioritise User Experience: Focus on intuitive navigation, bold CTAs, and mobile optimisation.
- Embrace Content & Media: Use high-quality, relevant content and visuals that engage users.
- Ensure Accessibility: Make your site navigable via keyboard, optimise for colour contrast, and use alt text.
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t overuse pop-ups, complicate navigation, or ignore mobile users.
- Adopt 2024 Trends: Think minimalist design, interactivity, AI-driven personalisation, and sustainability.
By following these steps, you’ll create a website that doesn’t just meet today’s standards—it’s set to thrive in tomorrow’s digital landscape.
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