Google Panda updates have reinforced the belief ‘content is king’. However, the importance of content has forced designers to rethink the role of web design. To clear the confusion, in this article, we will discuss the role of web and graphic design in affecting user experience. To know more, read on.

Design Creates the First Impression

Studies have proved the fact that visitors form an opinion about a site within few seconds. This initial opinion is critical because it determines further activities of visitors. In most cases, visitors use design as the yardstick to evaluate the site. If the design is impressive, they stick to the site and vice versa. This means that in creating the initial impression, design plays a more important role than content.

Design Elicits the Desired Reaction from Visitors

Design also affects reaction of visitors towards the website. With interesting call-to-action buttons, you can compel visitors to act and thus, increase conversations. Of course, you can request users to act via content also. However, most people would agree that as compared to a call-to-action statement hidden in the content, call-to-action buttons are more effective.

It Affects Content Consumption

Many people will be surprised to know that design can even affect the way users interpret the content. The typography rules play an important role in affecting the experience that visitors have, while absorbing information. Furthermore, using informative videos and graphics can reinforce their understanding of the content, thus creating a positive impression.

We do not have any doubts about the fact that visitors usually look for good information in the Internet. However, at the same time, presentation of the content is also important. For example, if you set a serious article in comic fonts, it will definitely distract the readers. Even if the content is of high quality, users will feel confused.

Modifying User Reaction

In the Internet, one can come across millions of sites that deliver the same information. To stand out amongst similar sites, one needs to use web designs intelligently. You should modify designs to present content in an attractive manner.

YouTube serves as a good example of how videos can evoke user reaction. Millions of videos get uploaded on YouTube everyday. Content, of course, determines popularity of videos. Along with it, factors, such as how encouraged visitors feel or how smoothly they share the videos contribute to their popularity.

With explosion of information on Internet, the importance of web design has become more critical than ever. Web design allows experts to modify user reaction and offer visitors a unique experience. Additionally, you can encourage them to react towards the web content in a meaningful way. The basic point is to pay equal importance to content and design.