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Another thing to consider is, which font to use. I prefer simple sans-serif fonts such as Arial or Helvetica because they are clean and easy to read, but Serif fonts such as Times New Roman can be readable and appropriate in many circumstances. Script fonts, or any other hard to read font should only be used in rare situation that calls for it... and sill, it should and must be legible. Perhaps use of a special novelty font can be well used in a page headline, if it suits nature and tone of subject matter, but never as font for main body text. You may think that some extremely illegible font looks cool, but please, think about viewer... after all, isn't it what THEY think that matters?
Have some mercy on all those eyes out there!
The same rule of simplicity applies to how you justify your text as well. Be consistent with your use of text; it does not make sense to have one body paragraph Left Justified, then next body paragraph Centered. Just same, it does not make sense to have one paragraph wider than next if they are same type of paragraph.
And lastly, I must stress importance of being consistent. You might have nice individual elements on your site, but if you don't have a clear system in place, a "method" to madness, then all your "neat" stuff can go out window. Be consistent! All in all, if you did everything I have said so far, but were not consistent about it, then your design would suffer greatly.
Just remember, if you start simple, be subtle when it comes to emphasizing anything (especially text), and be consistent with layout and hierarchy, you will achieve clarity... and of course when communicating information effectively is crucial, clarity is everything.
Doug Seidl is a member of Worldprofit's design department at http://www.WorldDesignServices.com. Let us quote your design project! You get professional, experienced design AND Guaranteed Visitors to your site! Ask us how! Contact mailto:customerservice@worldprofit.com