Originally published on February 8th, 2018. Updated for October 12th, 2021.
Have you ever noticed the way some websites leave you feeling a little “off,” while others leave you feeling more inspired? It turns out good web design involves a lot more than putting information on a web page. Creating an engaging website that encourages return visitors requires an understanding of the psychology of web design, which includes the following elements:
Color
Color psychology is the science of how color affects human moods and behavior. For your website, you want to use a targeted color scheme that inspires your audience into action. While color meaning is always up to interpretation, common emotions of color include:
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- Blue = Calm, trust, peace, loyalty
- Green = Nature, the environment, prosperity, action
- Orange = Playful, confidence, urgency
- Black = Elegance, value, timeless
Content
Website visitors seek information, and the way it is presented sets the tone for the entire browsing experience. Quality web design should strive to present that content in a balanced way: not too much text, and not too little. The language within that content is also very important. Good website content must be clear, persuasive, and easy to read.
Space
The amount of empty space on a webpage can be just as important as the content and color. Known as “white space,” these blank areas provide a resting place for the eyes and are especially important when it comes to web design (after all, reading text on a screen can be hard on the eyes). A website that’s designed with plenty of white space gives off a feeling of professionalism, organization, and overall good vibes.
Font
The impact of typography on the psychology of web design, and human psychology in general, is very well-documented, but often overlooked. Typography can elicit many different thoughts and emotions, both on and off the web. Finding just the right one among thousands of choices, however, can be overwhelming. Reading through some of these infographics on the psychology of fonts is a good place to start.
The psychology of web design considers the way all elements of a website affect our emotions. When done correctly, it can drive sales, inspire new subscribers and increase web traffic. Inspired? We’d be happy to help! Contact Technology Aloha today to learn how our expert web designers can improve your presence online.
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