The basics of designing for event websites

Introduction

Event websites are a great way to promote events, manage registrations, and provide information to participants. Designing an effective event website requires the ability to create a user-friendly interface that is both attractive and accessible. This article will discuss the basics of designing for event websites, including considerations for layout, navigation, and content.

Layout Considerations

When planning the layout of an event website, it’s important to consider the user experience. An effective layout should be easy to navigate and use, with clear calls to action. It’s also important to optimize the website for mobile devices, which are increasingly popular. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that all necessary information is easily accessible, and that any forms are straightforward and user-friendly.

Navigation Elements

Navigation elements are an important part of any website, and this is especially true for event websites. Clear navigation menus should be included, as well as prominent calls to action. It’s also important to include search functionality, so users can easily find the information they need. Additionally, a site map can be helpful for navigating complex sites.

Content Elements

Content is key to an effective event website. All important information should be clearly presented and organized. It’s important to include detailed descriptions, helpful images, and videos when applicable. Additionally, it’s important to provide timely updates and reminders, as well as easy access to registration forms and payment options.

Understand the Nature of the Event

The first step in designing an effective event website is to understand the nature of the event. This includes everything from the type of event (e.g. political rally, charity fundraiser, music festival), to the objectives and goals, target audience, and any other important details. Taking the time to understand the event will provide the necessary foundations for making informed design decisions. Establishing early on a clear objective will help inform every subsequent decision throughout the project.

By understanding the event’s scope, you can determine which elements need to be included on the page. A corporate conference website, for example, might include a list of keynote speakers, a schedule, and registration information. On the other hand, a music festival website could feature artist bios, ticketing options, and a map of the venue. Understanding the purpose of the website will inform how you organize and prioritize content on the page.

It’s also important to consider the preferences of the target audience. People visiting a website are more likely to remain engaged if it is tailored to their interests. For instance, a website for a university job fair should use language and visuals that appeal to the school’s student population. If the audience is unfamiliar with the event, consider adding descriptive text about the event’s history, purpose, and mission.

Choose Appropriate Colors and Fonts

Once you have an understanding of the event and its target audience, it’s time to start thinking about visuals. Choosing the right colors and fonts is an important component of making a website look professional and polished. It’s important to keep in mind that the colors and fonts should reflect the tone of the event. A flashy pop concert might call for bold, vibrant colors, while a traditional charity gala would be better suited to classic, elegant fonts and colors.

It’s a good idea to keep the website design consistent across all pages. For instance, one page might feature a bright yellow background with white text, while another might have a navy blue background and black text. Even if the colors vary, the same font should be used throughout the design. Consider selecting two complementary font families and using one for headlines and another for body text. But keep in mind that too many fonts can lead to clutter and confusion.

Good design also extends to choosing appropriate imagery. Photos and illustrations should be carefully chosen to reflect the event’s overall message and theme. Generic stock photos can be used to break up text or for backgrounds, while custom illustrations can be used to add personality and flair. Additionally, logos and branding materials must be included to create a unified visual identity.

Create a Clear Information Hierarchy

Once the visuals are in place, it’s time to start thinking about information architecture. Information hierarchy refers to the way in which content is organized on the webpage. The goal is to make it as easy as possible for visitors to find the relevant information. If the page is cluttered or disorganized, it can lead to confusion and frustration.

The key to creating an effective information hierarchy is to prioritize the most important content. Generally speaking, the top priority should be the event itself, followed by navigation and contact information. Depending on the event, other important content could include ticketing information, details about the venue, FAQs, and a list of sponsors. Each element should be clearly labeled and well-organized.

Content should also be broken up into sections and sub-sections, with each one containing a clear headline or title. This allows readers to quickly scan the page and find the exact piece of information they are looking for. It’s also important to keep the page concise. Too much text can overwhelm the reader, so only include essential information. Additionally, use bullet points to break up larger chunks of text and guide the reader’s eye.

Design for Mobile Devices

In the modern world, it’s essential to design for both desktop and mobile devices. Mobile users accounted for nearly 55% of total web traffic in 2020, and this number is only expected to grow in the coming years. Designing a website for mobile requires an understanding of the device’s unique capabilities and constraints. Mobile users are much more likely to abandon a website if it takes too long to load or if certain elements are not optimized for their device.

When designing for mobile devices, consider simplifying the navigation. Many users simply don’t have the time or attention span to scroll through long pages or multiple layers of content. Stick to one menu with no more than seven items, and limit hover states and animations. Additionally, buttons and links should be large enough for a user’s finger to easily hit. Finally, make sure that all images and videos are optimized for mobile devices.

Conclusion

Designing an effective event website requires an understanding of the event’s purpose, target audience, and objectives as well as an understanding of the principles of good design. By carefully considering these elements and taking the time to optimize the website for both desktop and mobile devices, you can create a website that is attractive, functional, and engaging.

1. Ensure that your website is optimized for mobile users by using responsive design and media queries.
2. Use a grid-based layout to ensure uniformity across all devices.
3. Include a visually appealing background image or video on the homepage.
4. Include clear navigation to different areas of the site.
5. Utilize a call-to-action button on every page to prompt visitors to take action.
6. Make sure your website is easy to read by using a legible font size and color scheme.
7. Provide clear information about the event, including its date, location, and agenda.
8. Make contact information easy to find (e.g. contact form, phone number, etc).
9. Add an FAQ page to help visitors quickly find answers to their questions.
10. Include multiple registration options, such as early bird discounts and group rates.

To go fruther on the topic

If you’d like to explore more on the topic of The basics of designing for event websites, we recommend the following litterature:

1. Practical Web Design for Events Management by Deborah Armstrong
2. Event Website Design & Development by Sarah Durham
3. Web Design for Events: Principles, Techniques and Templates by Michael J. Ricca
4. Event Website Design & Best Practices by James M. Miller
5. Event Website Design in a Nutshell by Don Miller
6. Event Website Design: A Comprehensive Guide by Carla L. White
7. Web Event Planning & Designing by Matt C. Browning
8. Event Website Design Handbook by Alan G. Tuscany
9. Event Website Design for Beginners by Jeff Durbin
10. Event Website Design & Planning Basics by Terri J. Gossett