Feng Shui of the Web

Principles of Layout and Screen Design

Designing Text and Typography

Feng Shui

the ancient Chinese practice of placement and arrangement of space to achieve harmony with the environment. ~Wikipedia

is not simply a decorating style, but a discipline with guidelines compatible with many different decorating styles. ~Wikipedia

The Ideologies of Web Design

Simple, unobtrusive designs that support users are successful because they abide by the web’s nature – and they make people feel good. ~Nielsen

The best match with the web’s fundamental nature: it lets users go where they want ~Nielsen

Some Guidelines of Feng Shui

When sitting at a desk, the entrance door should be in a clear line of sight, and you should have a view of as much of the room as possible.

When lying in bed, the entrance door should not be directly facing the soles of one's feet. In other words, the end of the bed should not be in line with the door.

Straight lines and sharp corners are to be avoided, and especially should not point where people tend to sit, stand, or sleep.

Avoid clutter. Your stairs should never face the front door.

Some Guidelines of Web Design:

Use Black Text on Plain, High-Contrast Backgrounds

Make Action Sequences ClearFacilitate ScanningOrganize Information Clearly

Examples of Why…

In Feng Shui: Roads to and from ancient towns were often

curved and windy, an attempt to disorient and keep away evil spirits, who were believed to travel in straight lines.

Some objects are believed to have the power of redirecting, reflecting, or shifting energy in a space. These include mirrors, crystals, windchimes, and pools of flowing or standing water.

Examples of Why…

In Web DesignA clear logical structure will reduce the

chances of users becoming bored, disinterested, or frustrated

People read black on white 32% faster than its opposite

So….

Good web design is more than decorating – it is supporting users so that …

Why follow design principles?

Do you agree with the principles?

Are there occasions where it is best to break the rules?

ex. http://www.jkrowling.com/en/popupblocked.cfm

References:

Mastery, Mystery, and Misery: The Ideologies of Web Design. Nielsen, J

Wikipedia: Feng ShuiResearch Based Web Design & Usability

Guidelines