Simple Design Tips Everyone Can Use
There are a few key design concepts that can make even the simplest of documents more effective.
The goal of graphic design is to communicate information effectively – not just make it a page look better. The next time you have to create a sales sheet, report, or presentation – try these tips:
1. Vary the size of the elements.
If everything on the page is the same size, the eye isn’t guided down the page and information can get lost.
Think of your document as “blocks” of information: headline and sub-information, details, call to action, contact info etc.
Make the most important “block” biggest, and then vary the sizes accordingly. This will guide the person viewing the document to the important pieces first. Many people scan documents quickly – you need to help them digest the information in the document.
2. “Empty” space is important.
Resist the urge to fill every spot on the page. The empty “white space” (also called “negative space”) is just as important a design element as the text and photos. The empty space will draw attention to the information inside it.
3. No more than two different fonts.
One is good also. More than two, or using decorative fonts (Comic Sans etc) makes it harder to read and is not as professional looking.
A common design technique is to use a sans serif for the headline, and then serif for body copy. An example of a sans-serif font is Helvetica, while serif would be Times. A “serif” refers to the little “feet” on certain fonts. Serif fonts are more legible for long areas of text, like in a report or a letter.
