Great design is more than creativity and inspiration, it also serves a very practical purpose. Successful digital design adds immense value to your marketing efforts and requires significant skill and expertise. When executed well, digital design is visually appealing as well as useful. While this vital aspect of digital marketing has often been overlooked, investing in proper digital design is well worth it.
What is digital design?
In essence, digital design refers to any design that appears in a digital format for viewing on a screen (e.g. website), rather than in print (on a physical page). Think of multimedia presentations, social media materials, digital adverts, pitch decks or 3D modelling. Adept digital designers will not only create a memorable visual experience with attractive graphics and layouts but also create a design that is functional and easy to navigate.
Why digital design is imperative in today’s interconnected world
Digital design has become an increasingly significant aspect of online marketing. The revolutionary spread of the internet, smartphones and digital media has changed the traditional methods of reaching your target markets. Today’s generation is so familiar with digital technology; children learn how to use a tablet before they can walk or talk. Creating a strong visual impact from the first point of contact is essential to reach and engage with your target audience.
The benefits of a strong digital design
- Creates a great first impression
- Expresses credibility and professionalism
- Allows your brand to stand out and be remembered
- Gives the customer or user a better experience
- Increases viewer interaction
- Provides clarity for users and makes it easier to complete an action
- Builds strong brand equity
- Offers a consistent look and feel across all platforms
Digital vs. print design: How are they different?
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Different formats:
Digital designers create content for websites, apps, infographics, animations or PDFs; whereas print designers work with brochures, magazines, book covers business cards, print ads.
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Different styles:
Design elements that work well on printed media don’t necessarily look good on a digital version and vice versa. Print design requires working within the physical limits of the page, while digital design offers more freedom.
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Measuring results:
While it is difficult to track the success of a physical flyer or brochure, a digital design’s performance is measured through metrics such as likes, shares, downloads, and page views.
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Interactivity in design:
Digital design, unlike print design, requires a certain degree of interactivity. Dynamic designs are more complex than static design and need to be clickable, animated, use audio, be downloadable, etc.
Digital design is no longer just a nice-to-have. Stand out amongst the crowd and ensure your design is eye-catching, clear, and interactive to offer an unparalleled user experience.