Design Review Checklist: Questions to Ask Yourself

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Web Design Checklist

All designers struggle at times to get a design to achieve a look that they are thoroughly happy with. Many times we’ll have an idea that really seems like it will work, but when it’s executed in code or in PSD format it just doesn’t look complete. Sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint a specific reason that the design isn’t quite right.

In this post, we’ll take a look at our design review checklist which features some questions to ask yourself when a design is not living up to your expectations.

These should put you on the right path to identifying and improving the trouble areas. These questions focus primarily on the design, not necessarily the effectiveness of the site overall, the usability, or the content.

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Colors

  • Is the color scheme effective?
  • Are there enough different colors used?
  • Are too many different colors used?
  • Is there effective color contrast?
  • Do the colors allow for maximum readability?
  • Do the colors work well with images and photos used throughout the design?
  • Do the colors accurately create the mood and present the message that you are after?

Typography

  • Are the fonts effective?
  • Are too many different fonts used?
  • Are not enough fonts used?
  • Would additional experimentation with different fonts be helpful?
  • Are the keywords, phrases, and headers effectively emphasized and standing out?
  • Is there proper spacing between letters, words, and lines?
  • Are the colors and typography used well together?

Layout

  • Is the layout wide enough? Too wide?
  • Would a fluid width or fixed with work better?
  • Does the layout emphasize the right content?
  • How does the layout affect readability and usability?
  • Does it overcomplicate things?
  • Is the layout boring?
  • Is the layout a distraction to visitors?

Design Elements

  • Would rounded corners or boxed corners be more effective?
  • Are gradients used? If so, are they effective?
  • Are icons attractive and intuitive?
  • Could the addition of icons improve the look and functionality of the site?
  • Is there effective balance and spacing?

Photos/Visuals

  • Are the photos and graphics on par with the quality of the rest of the design?
  • Are they crisp and clear?
  • Would they be more effective with the background removed and bleeding onto the page background?
  • Are they too big or too small?
  • Do they effectively communicate the message of the site?
  • Are there too many? Too few?
  • Are they in the best locations?
  • Would they look better with different styles of borders or drop shadows?
  • Is the primary navigation easily found and intuitive?
  • Does the navigation add any visual impact on the design?
  • Could the navigation be improved with different colors of background images?
  • Would it look better in a different location?
  • Do links within the content of the page look attractive?

Design Style

  • Does the style of the design fit with the message of the site?
  • Does the style of the site fit with the industry?
  • Does the site fit into a particular style?
  • What makes the design unique?

Impact

  • When you first look at the page, what stands out the most?
  • Is this what you want to stand out?
  • What impact does the design have on users/visitors?
  • Does the first impression communicate a message that accurately fits with the site?
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