Feng Shui of the Web

1
Feng Shui of the Web

• Principles of Layout and Screen Design
• Designing Text and Typography

2
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

3
The Ideologies of Web Design

• Simple, unobtrusive designs that support users
  are successful because they abide by the webs
  nature and they make people feel good.
  Nielsen
• The best match with the webs fundamental nature
  it lets users go where they want Nielsen

4
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.

5
Some Guidelines of Web Design

• Use Black Text on Plain, High-Contrast
  Backgrounds
• Make Action Sequences Clear
• Facilitate Scanning
• Organize Information Clearly

6
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.

7
Examples of Why

• In Web Design
• A clear logical structure will reduce the chances
  of users becoming bored, disinterested, or
  frustrated
• People read black on white 32 faster than its
  opposite

8
So.

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

9
Why follow design principles?

10
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

11
References

• Mastery, Mystery, and Misery The Ideologies of
  Web Design. Nielsen, J
• Wikipedia Feng Shui
• Research Based Web Design Usability Guidelines