Designing a Web Site with Cool Stuff
Posted by Martin Wessel on Tue, Nov 30, 2010
Back in October I wrote a blog entry that compared Web Design to stores in a mall, and then I followed up by writing about Designing a Web Site Where The Cool People Shop. This is the third article in the series and we're going to talk about how to design a site that puts products and services front and center.
This is the most traditional form of site, especially for eCommerce sites. Information sites can use it as well, however, because it puts the companies services front and center.
Information Site: Xymox Technologies
While they are a manufacturer of custom membrane switches, Xymox Technology does not sell on line. They do however, market their products and provide technical information. Because they serve so many markets, they've put a handy reference right on their home page. Looking for a membrane switch suitable for Food Equipment? There's the link, right on the home page. Medical Equipment? They've got you covered as well.
But what about the rest of the site? After all, a quick survey of the site shows that they have hundreds of products as well as the ability to create custom products. Again, the site is designed with presentation and products in mind. Going to the Membrane Switches page shows two product lines: Stock and Custom. The Custom Membrane Switches page again presents a range of products and services in an easy to understand way, at least if you're familiar with membrane switches.
eCommerce Site: Amazon
It would be almost impossible to discuss eCommerce sites without looking at Amazon.com, the site that pretty much started it all. Again, products are front center, and they're even highlighting the best selling product in case that's what you're looking for. If not, then they have some other popular products that might interest you.
As with Xymox, Amazon follows a landing page design. Going to the Books category, for instance, once again shows a selection of sub-categories that help a visitor drill down to the product they're looking for with a nice image that encapsulates the category. As with the home page, Amazon shows a long list of bestsellers and other options for the visitor to consider. What makes this page interesting is that Amazon watches what products that visitor has looked at and the page refines itself to reflect those choices. It's a great way for Amazon to direct visitors to products they may be most interested in and most likely to buy.
What it means for your site
To some degree, the Cool Stuff website is the easiest to plan: What products or services do you want to highlight, and how do you want to put them on the page? Answer those two questions and you've gone a long ways to designing your site.
It is interesting to note that our two examples both use a white background with touches of color. This allows images of products and services to be front and center and they will capture a visitors eye. It's not impossible to have a dark design, but a quick survey of major eRetailers (Best Buy, Walmart, and Target) all show that a white or light background is the current design trend for product or service oriented sites.
Have you got a site that fits this style, or are you thinking of using a "Cool Stuff" type site? Let me know!