How to Improve Website Design with Basic Skills

Introduction

• Emphasizes the challenge of making a website look visually appealing without design skills.
• Promises to teach basic design improvements: choosing a color palette, styling fonts, and managing sizing and spacing.

Core Components of Website Design

Starting Point

• Initial website setup with minimal styles.
• Basic layout using grid for a two-column structure, adaptable for mobile.

Color Palette

1. Choosing Colors:

   • Study existing websites for design inspiration.
   • Avoid using too many colors; simplicity is key.
   • Select a background, primary text, and accent colors.

2. Tools and Techniques:

   • Use online color generators.
   • Sample colors from art (e.g., Van Gogh's "Starry Night" for a dark theme).

3. Using CSS:

   • Define colors using CSS custom properties.
   • Experiment with HSL for adjusting lightness and saturation.

4. Ensuring Accessibility:

   • Check contrast levels to meet accessibility standards.

Typography

1. Font Selection:

   • Choose between serif and sans-serif fonts.
   • Use web-safe fonts or Google Fonts (local hosting for privacy compliance).

2. Font Hierarchy and Sizes:

   • Implement a clear size hierarchy (H1 > H2 > Paragraph).
   • Use CSS custom properties for reusability.

3. Styling Text:

   • Adjust line heights for better readability.
   • Ensure custom fonts are applied to form elements using inheritance.

Spacing and Layout

1. Image and Element Sizing:

   • Use max-width to prevent images from overflowing.
   • Maintain aspect ratios for visual consistency.

2. Text and Content Blocks:

   • Limit line length for better readability.
   • Max-width for site content to prevent excessive stretching on wide screens.

3. Adding Space:

   • Use CSS custom properties for consistent padding and margin.

4. Button Design:

   • Add hover states and transitions for interactivity.
   • Incorporate border radius for rounded corners.

Additional Tips

• Vertically center content within grid layouts for balance.
• Explore advanced design techniques like SVG, gradients, and hover effects.

Conclusion

• Basic enhancements can significantly improve the appearance of a website.
• Further learning opportunities available for those interested in more advanced design techniques.