Answers to Common (Web) Design Questions

(In honor of Dan’s zero-nuance takes.)

What font-family should I use?

font-family: system-ui, sans-serif;Code language: HTTP (http)

Should I use a grid system?

Set up grids anywhere you need them with CSS grid. It’s quick to learn and handles the vast majority of layout concerns.

Do I need a design system?

If you’re making components and using them, that’s your design system. If you’re not, you probably should be.

What framework should I use?

Astro.

How can I tell if my startup/product idea is any good?

It isn’t. You just have to love it and work on it for the rest of your life and it will become good.

How much do websites cost?

$20, $20,000, $200,000, or $2,000,000.

How do I ensure my website is accessible?

If you have no idea, you should use pre-built components that start out accessible. Shoelace is good. Test pages with Axe DevTools at a minimum. Better, hire accessibility experts.

Does my website need to be responsive?

Yep.

How do I make my website SEO-optimized?

Create good written content on it consistently for a long time.

What web host should I use?

Use a host with a free plan at first, like Netlify.

Why does my website suck?

It’s good you think so, because it means your taste is higher than your ability. You’re probably doing too much — tone it down. Align things.

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Disagree? Do something else then.