When it comes to effective web design, many key features exist. One of the most obvious and important characteristics of an outstanding and effective web design is simplicity. However, few people seem aware of this, as so many websites appear overcrowded and cluttered. In order to really understand this concept, think of a website like a room in an elegant house. Which of the following rooms is more likely to be found in a nice, well-cared for house?

The first house has decent structure, but seems to be filled with random clutter. It does not appear organized, and definitely seems to have some objects that are out of place. By contrast, the second picture appears to have just as many objects, but they are organized in such a fashion that your eye is drawn to the big, important things in the room rather than random “stuff.” Effective web design uses similar tactics; simplicity usually is more pleasing to the eye than random objects everywhere. However, the site needs to be done in such a way that all the needed information is still there, which takes talent.

The following websites are examples of a somewhat cluttered site and a simple, clean site:

Both sites probably have the same amount of information, but it is not all on the homepage in the second site, nor does it need to be. If you organize your website right, you can have just a few main categories, with more information about each subject on different pages. Effective web design requires some degree of simplicity, which will lead to an aesthetically pleasing site.