The Ocean Agency

You will hear from many web designers, including some of ours, that “eye candy” websites– or visually appealing ones– aren’t practical for businesses. The argument stands that websites should be immediately usable and functional; you almost shouldn’t even notice the design, but instead navigate through it without stopping to think about it. But there’s definitely an argument for beautiful websites, too.  We recognize that creative web design should sometimes include daring visual designs that are more than “mere styling”.

The relationship between aesthetics and usability is more closely linked than some may realize. The way users perceive a website is almost entirely visual, so of course, the visual design of a website can govern the way it is used and influence functionality.  An aesthetically pleasing website is necessary, therefore, as far as it positively affects your users. A graphic that is good looking and well designed, but merits no helpful repsonse from your user, must be reevaluated. Similarly, the photographs and images you use on your website, though they may have special significance to you, may not inspire any particular emotions in your visitors.  Allowing your designer to help you choose the graphics that will be most moving for your users is usually a safe bet.

Part of attracting users to convert on your website is providing them with attractive features– enticing contact forms, buttons and copy. If a button is functional, but not attractive, no one will be tempted to use it. If the content is there, but is layed out in an unattractive way, it will not get read. And if your contact form has no allure, you won’t be capturing anyone’s data. Visual designs are more than mere styling in these cases.  Attractive designs add to the functionality of your website; they function to attract more users to complete your desired conversion.

Flowery visual design isn’t always necessary on a website, but used properly, it accentuates the usability. A web design firm that employs beautiful aesthetics when beneficial to a new site can enhance your site, in visual enjoyability and in true functionality.