When creating a website, it is important to consider which elements and in what order will attract users' attention. Research shows that users' eyes tend to move in certain areas of the screen, so placing important information and controls in these areas can increase the effectiveness of the website. There are several key principles to keep in mind when creating websites to attract user attention and ensure ease of navigation:
1. Rule of F.
The Rule of F states that people tend to quickly scan the top part of a website, then move to the left side, and finally slide horizontally to the right. Research shows that almost 80% of users first pay attention to the top part of the website, so it is important to place the most important information and controls there. This could be the main menu, logo, search, and main content. It is also useful to remember that if a website targets an audience that speaks a right-to-left language (such as Arabic), the Rule of F will work in the reverse order.
2. Golden Ratio.
The Golden Ratio suggests placing information and elements on the page according to specific proportions that distribute users' visual attention. According to this rule, the page should be divided into vertical and horizontal zones and place the most important elements in specific proportions. For example, if the page is divided into vertical zones in a ratio of 1:0.61:0.38, the most important elements should be placed in the first zone, less important ones in the second, and so on. This harmony attracts visual attention and creates orderliness on the page.
3. Law of Enclosure.
The Law of Enclosure suggests dividing information on the page into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary information is the most important and necessary for users, and secondary information is less important and additional. According to this law, it is important to place primary information and elements in an area that corresponds to the Rule of F or the Golden Ratio, thereby ensuring that users see this information first. Secondary information can be placed in other areas of the page to complement the primary information or provide context.
4. Law of Sequence.
The Law of Sequence implies that users' visual attention tends to move in the order of numbering or ordering of information. For example, if the page shows multiple tabs in the main menu or multiple links in a list, users tend to pay attention to the first tab or link, then the second, and so on. Therefore, it is important to sort information in order of its importance and follow a logical sequence. It is also useful to use specific words or phrases for links and headings, so that users can quickly orient themselves on the page.
5. Law of Attention Focus.
The Law of Attention Focus suggests using visual effects, colors, font size, photos, etc. to draw users' attention to specific elements on the page. For example, you can highlight a button or link in a brighter color, use a larger font for headings, add animation to specific elements. This will attract users' attention and help them focus on the most important or effective elements of the website. However, caution should be exercised and too many visual effects should not be used to avoid redundancy or page overload.
Taking these key principles into account, web designers and developers can create a website that attracts users' attention and ensures easy navigation. Placing important elements in the appropriate areas, presenting information in an organized order, and using visual effects to highlight important elements will help create a user-friendly and effective website.