Datasheet

CHAPTER ONE THE DISTINCTION OF WEB DESIGN
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Figure -: Balancing a page using less-emphasized content (of various types) redirects attention.
So far, you have seen the bene ts of becoming Zen-like in your design approach by
redrawing the balance when you feel it can improve the way information is conveyed, and
by balancing neutrality and emphasis, which re ects the opposing sides of attention-
focusing. In the next section, I go over the more straightforward principle of simplicity. It
is one of the most primal methodological forces for improving the distinction of what
remains visible on-screen (and without it, things would get very cluttered indeed).
The Sum of All Parts
Holding your visitor’s attention with plenty of active elements on a page can be di cult.
Because distractions on a page can reduce the visibility of key information, it’s important
to preserve the integrity of the emphasized content that already exists. If adding empha-
sis to such content seems like the only answer to your problems, never fear; there is a less
popular but equally powerful way to give a cluster of content emphasis.  at method is to
take away any unnecessary clutter from the website’s foreground and background (think
of it as spring cleaning for your visitor’s bene t).
Note
For every element, property, and function, keep asking if what’s sitting within
your pages is really necessary. If you can’t justify it, remove it entirely! Or if you
need to include it on the page, you can progressively disclose it as required
(making it visible only when it’s needed onscreen).
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