An effective website design should fulfil its intended function by conveying its particular message whilst simultaneously engaging the visitor. Several factors such as consistency, colours, typography, imagery, simplicity, and functionality contribute to good website design. The webpage provides useful guidelines that may help the readers when considering their next web project.

In fact, when designing a website there are many key factors that will contribute to how it is perceived. A well-designed website can help build trust and guide visitors to take action. Creating a great user experience involves making sure that the website design is optimised for usability (form and aesthetics) and how easy is it to use (functionality).

Here are, in short, the 9 listed principles:

1. Website purpose - The website needs to accommodate the needs of the user. Having a simple clear intention on all pages will help the user interact with what you have to offer.
2. Simplicity - Simplicity is the best way to go when considering the user experience and the usability of your website. Below are ways to achieve simplicity through design.
3. Navigation - Navigation is the wayfinding system used on websites where visitors interact and find what they are looking for.
4. F-Shaped pattern reading - The F- based pattern is the most common way visitors scan text on a website. Eye-tracking studies have found that most of what people see is in the top and left areas of the screen.
5. Visual hierarchy - Visual hierarchy is the arrangement of elements in order of importance. This is done either by size, colour, imagery, contrast, typography, whitespace, texture and style.
6. Content - An effective website has both great design and great content.
7. Grid based layout - Grids help to structure your design and keep your content organised. The grid helps to align elements on the page and keep it clean.
8. Load time - Waiting for a website to load will lose visitors. Nearly half of web visitors expect a site to load in 2 seconds or less.
9. Mobile friendly - More people are using their phones or other devices to browse the web.