Too many modern websites feel cold, impersonal, and more focused on technology than the people who use them. They’re confusing to navigate, difficult to understand, and ultimately, they fail to create any real connection. It’s time to change that.
People-centered websites prioritize the human experience above all else. They’re designed with empathy, built for clarity, and focused on creating genuine engagement. Let’s take a closer look.
Why People-Centered Websites?
For too long, websites have been built with a “build it and they will come” mentality. Technical functionality reigned supreme, while the actual people using the website were an afterthought. But the digital landscape has changed.
Today, people crave connection and authenticity. They can spot a generic, impersonal website a mile away. To truly engage your audience, you need a website that prioritizes their needs and speaks to their emotions. People-centered web design is all about understanding your audience on a deeper level – their motivations, frustrations, and aspirations.
This people-first approach leads to:
- Better user experiences: When people enjoy using your website, they’re more likely to stay longer, explore more pages, and take action (like making a purchase.)
- Higher engagement: A website that understands its audience can deliver relevant content and personalized experiences, leading to increased interaction and conversions.
- Stronger brand loyalty: By creating a positive and memorable experience, you build trust and lasting relationships with your audience.
In a world where so much is automated and impersonal, it’s time to bring back the human touch to our websites. Your audience (and bank account) will thank you.
Putting People First: What it Looks Like
Now that we understand why people-centered websites matter, let’s explore what they look like. It doesn’t require any fancy algorithms– it’s all about weaving empathy into your website where it matters. Here are a few powerful ways to do just that:
Telling Real Stories
Humans are hardwired for stories. We love connecting with narratives that resonate with our own experiences or emotions. Your website is the perfect platform to share authentic stories that captivate your audience and build deeper relationships.
Think about your own story. How did your business or organization come to be? What challenges did you overcome? What are your core values and beliefs? Sharing your origin story helps people connect with the human side of your brand. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and show your personality.
Another powerful approach is to showcase customer success stories. How have you helped your clients achieve their goals? Share testimonials, case studies, and real-life examples of the impact you’ve made. When people see how you’ve helped others, they’re more likely to believe you can help them too.
And don’t forget the people behind your brand! Employee spotlights are a great way to humanize your website and build trust. Share their passions, expertise, and unique contributions to your organization. This helps visitors see that you’re not just a faceless company, but a team of real people who care.
To bring these stories to life, use compelling visuals like images and videos. Craft engaging copy in a conversational tone, using vivid language and relatable anecdotes. Weave narratives into your “About Us” page, blog posts, case studies, and even product descriptions. And remember to gather stories from your audience too! Encourage customers to share their experiences with your brand through testimonials, reviews, and social media.
Designing a Website that Feels Right
Think about your favorite websites. Why do you enjoy visiting them? It’s likely more than just the information they provide. The best websites draw out emotions. They draw you in and make you want to stay awhile.
People-centered websites understand the power of emotion. They use design elements strategically to create a specific mood or feeling. This emotional connection is created through thoughtful use of color, imagery, typography, and even whitespace. Different colors evoke different emotions, so use this to your advantage. Also, authentic photographs of real people tend to create stronger connections than generic stock photos. Take your time designing your site to capture exactly what your audience should be feeling.
Building Relationships
It can be easy to get caught up in the technicalities of web development. But truly successful websites are built on something much deeper: strong relationships.
People-centered web development is about having a deep understanding of your client’s vision, goals, and challenges. This requires clear communication, active listening, and collaboration throughout the entire process.
When developers take the time to build genuine relationships with their clients, amazing things happen. Trust is established, communication flows freely, and the final product truly reflects the client’s needs and aspirations. This collaborative approach leads to happier clients and more fulfilling projects for everyone involved.
Making Websites for Everyone
People-centered websites are, by their very nature, inclusive. They embrace the idea that the online world should be accessible to everyone, regardless of any physical or cognitive differences. When we design with empathy, we consider the needs of all potential users, including those with disabilities.
This isn’t just about complying with regulations or “doing the right thing.” It’s about recognizing that people interact with websites in diverse ways. Some may navigate primarily by keyboard, others might rely on screen readers to interpret the content, and some might have difficulty processing information presented in certain formats.
By considering these diverse needs, we can create websites that are truly welcoming to all. This might involve using sufficient color contrast to ensure readability for people with low vision, providing alternative text for images so screen readers can describe them, or structuring content with clear headings and concise language for those with cognitive differences.
At the end of the day, accessible design is simply good design. When we remove barriers and create a seamless experience for everyone, we enhance the usability of the website as a whole. Everyone benefits from a website that is easy to navigate, understand, and interact with, regardless of their abilities.
Ready for a Website That Truly Connects?
As we’ve explored, putting people first can make a huge impact on modern website development. Websites that feel authentic and resonate with your audience on a human level are bound to lead to a better experience for every user, boosting the positive perception of your brand.
At Vervology, this philosophy is at the heart of everything we do. Our team is passionate about building websites that showcase real stories and make connections with real users. We believe in the power of genuine relationships and strive to build websites that feel as human as the people behind them.
If this approach sounds like the perfect fit for your brand, let’s talk! Book a free, no-pressure consultation with Vervology founder Jono. With his experience building and managing over 10,000 websites, Jono can help you assess your current website and determine the next steps to create a truly human-driven digital experience.