Anyone can learn the mechanics of making a web page, but if you apply principles of design to your pages they will communicate more clearly. The four basic principles are alignment, proximity, repetition, and contrast.
Alignment means that items on the page are lined up with each other. The basic rule is to choose one alignment and use it on the entire page. Don't mix alignments. A second rule is to get the text away from the left edge. Indent the text a little so your eyes don't bump into the left edge of the browser page every time you swing back to the next line. The text on this page has been indented. Horizontal alignment is as important as vertical alignment. Pick a baseline such as top or bottom and use the same one. Each text item in the navigation bar at the top of this page (Home, Jump 2, and Resources) is aligned to the top of of the baseline. A third rule is to avoid centering everything. Center alignment is weak because the edges have no definition. If a visitor's eye has to wander all over the page trying to follow the flow of information, they will either miss something or get tired of looking at the page. A fourth rule is to turn the borders of tables off. Strong text alignment creates visual separation.
The items in the table below are center aligned and the table has borders turned on. |
