The web is extremely technical in nature and designers have the power to convert the technical web architecture to visually pleasing structure.
So, which are the best ways in which you can achieve such a transition? Let’s take a deep dive and understand a little about freehand drawing and writing in web design and how it can enhance the user experience.
It’s authentic
Receiving hand-written emails or notes always impress us in this fast paced computerized world. In web design, having hand-drawn content impresses the user due to its unique look and feel. Have you thought of establishing an identity and authenticity through freehand sketches? Here’s how Balsamiq does it.
This mockup and wire framing tool is engineered with a basic look and feel recalling pen and paper sketches from way back. At the same time, it is designed to ensure that users focus on the essential functionalities while also making the product authentic and distinctive.
It provides recognition
Certain kinds of freehand sketches, uses a character that attaches a human face difficult to create digitally otherwise. Visitors drop by and appreciate the hand-drawn content and sketches. It reduces the bounce rate and cuts the long labyrinths into interesting sectionalized hand-written content like a school notebook. You might like the source-code editor Notepad++ logo, which is hand-drawn and unique.
It explains the features
Using freehand sketches to explain your product, concept or an idea is a good way to lure visitors. Iconic or graphical representation simply hand-drawn adds much meat to the website product pages. Online service TestFlight impressively uses multiple hand-drawn sketches. Take an example of the features showcased using sketched sticky notes, accompanied by text.
It helps visitors to visualize workflows
The freehand style can be exhaustively used to demonstrate a solution process and workflows. Showcasing a right solution workflow with the help of free-hand style will make a great deal of difference and attract your prospects to take a deep dive in the same and educate themselves. Alex Faure , one of the leading front end developers and designers depicts a hand-drawn visualization of a workflow to educate users.
It makes better stories
Freehand drawings are a great way to boost the storytelling experience. With its roots in the ancient era, storytelling still remains one of the most popular methods of communication to visitors. With sketched characters and stories, the overall browsing experience becomes fun and breaks the boring walls of the web design. Some of the sketches also help in building emotional connect and entertain users at the same time. Axure’s home page welcome all its visitors with a story crafted using freehand style. It is informative yet funny.
Some other apps like SignNow, TouristEye use freestyle to attract users.
Conclusion
Personal web experience rejuvenates the old form of cold and formal web browsing. Freehand style blends human touch to the website and thus it interestingly bridges the gap between technical nature of web and personal web experience. Don’t overdo it though.
Inspired by: Smashing Magazine
Webby Monks
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