10 Commandments of Web Designing Every Client Should Know (But Probably Doesn’t)

Web design can be a really enjoyable process—especially for clients stepping into the world of UX/UI, wireframes, and pixel layouts that are perfect.

But while the design process may seem simple on the surface, any web designer will tell you it’s filled with unspoken rules, sacred principles, and, yes, commandments.

So, if you’re a client, consider these the 10 Commandments of Web Design—a lighthearted guide to keeping your designer sane and your website stunning.

1. Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbour’s Website when web designing

We get it, your competitor’s website looks great. But before you demand a carbon copy of it, remember that every site is unique.

Design that works for one brand might look off-brand, stale, or even odd for another.

So whilst pointing to a site you love isn't totally a no-no, as you may like the colour scheme and general layout, let’s figure out what will truly work best for your website.

2. Thou Shalt Keep Text Minimal (and Scannable)

Your website isn’t the place for a novella. You're not writing a book!

We need copy that’s short, sweet, and scannable. Wall-to-wall text may work for some settings, but online readers have attention spans similar to a squirrel’s. I think we can safely say that is the case...perhaps squirrels have a longer attention span....

Keep headlines concise, subheadings eye catching , and paragraphs short (just like this blog....:) ).

3. Respect Thy Whitespace

Whitespace isn’t “empty”—it’s breathing room that makes content readable and images beautiful.

So, resist the urge to fill every pixel with something.

Whitespace creates balance, elegance, and focus; it may look like nothing, but it’s actually doing wonders for your website.

In reality, minimalist design using whitespace is used strategically to focus attention on the most important elements - less is more

4. Thou Shalt Not Ask for More Than Two Fonts

Mixing fonts can add style and personality, but if you go overboard your site starts looking like a ransom note.

Limit yourself to one primary font for body text and one secondary font for headings.

A must for web design is readability and cohesion—too many fonts will send users running for the hills.

5. Remember the Scroll, and Keep It Simple

Parallax scrolling, long-form pages, and animated sections are fun—when done well. But don’t try to reinvent the scroll.

(Parallax scrolling is a web design technique where background elements move at a different speed than foreground elements as the user scrolls down the page. This creates a sense of depth and adds a dynamic, 3D-like effect to the website. The background usually moves more slowly than the content in the foreground, giving the illusion that the foreground is closer to the viewer and the background is farther away. Parallax scrolling is often used in storytelling, product showcases, and interactive websites to engage users and create an immersive, visually appealing experience.)

A little goes a long way; users want to scroll down, not side-to-side or through pages that feel like a maze.

Keep it simple: the scroll is there to guide, not to disorient.

6. Thou Shalt Provide High-Quality Images

A grainy photo or a pixelated logo can ruin a beautiful design faster than you can say "JPEG."

Good design relies on quality visuals, so invest in high-resolution images or, at the very least, make sure the photos you send aren’t from a flip phone circa 2003.

Quality visuals equal a quality experience.

7. Thou Shalt Not Worship the Pop-Up

Yes, pop-ups have their place, but too many are like a bad ad break in your favourite show—annoying and disruptive.

A well-timed, strategic pop-up can improve user experience, but pop-ups that show up every five seconds? That’s the website equivalent of spam. Use sparingly and wisely.

8. Thou Shalt Trust Thy Designer’s Judgment

Your designer is here to help bring your vision to life, but they’re also here to keep that vision grounded in reality.

So when they suggest changes, it’s not to undermine you; it’s because they know what users will respond to and what might look a bit…off. 

Trust their expertise—it’s what you’re paying them for, after all!

9. Thou Shalt Not Ignore Mobile Responsiveness

In the age of smartphones, designing for desktop-only is like making a sandwich with just one slice of bread.

Mobile responsiveness is absolutely crucial. A beautiful desktop layout means nothing if the mobile version looks like a cluttered mess. It's likely that a high percentage of your website visitors will come from a mobile phone device.

So please, test everything on screens big and small !!!!!

And Finally......

10. Thou Shalt Remember that Every Element Serves a Purpose

Design is more than just pretty pictures and flashy colours; it’s about function.

Each element—every button, image, and line of text—needs a reason to be there.

Your designer isn’t just adding “cool stuff” for the sake of it; they’re creating a journey for your users. Every element serves a purpose, so focus on user experience over razzle-dazzle.

Final Thoughts

These commandments may sound simple, but they hold the power to transform your site from a chaotic pile of pixels to a polished, user-friendly masterpiece.

By following these ten rules, you’ll not only keep your web designer smiling—you’ll end up on the way to a site that’s functional, elegant, and, most importantly, built to win over users.

The concept of web design isn't rocket science. A great website is achievable!

It simply requires some focused thought and action....So,

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