How can you create reusable web layouts with design patterns?

1 Grid systems

A grid system is a framework of columns and rows that divides the web page into proportional and flexible units. Grid systems help you align and organize your content, create visual hierarchy, and adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions. You can use a pre-made grid system, such as Bootstrap or Foundation, or create your own custom grid with CSS grid or flexbox properties. To use a grid system, you need to define a container element that holds the grid, and then assign grid classes or styles to the child elements that form the columns and rows.

2 Navigation patterns

Navigation patterns are the ways you provide links and menus to help your users find and access the information they need on your website. Navigation patterns should be clear, intuitive, and consistent across your web pages. Common navigation patterns include horizontal navigation (a row of links or tabs at the top or bottom of the web page, usually for the main sections or categories of the website), vertical navigation (a column of links or icons on the left or right side of the web page, usually for sub-sections or features of the website), dropdown navigation (a menu that expands when the user hovers over or clicks on a link or button, usually for more options or sub-menus within a section or category), and hamburger navigation (a button that toggles a hidden menu, usually on the top left or right corner of the web page, often used for mobile devices or small screens).

3 Content patterns

Content patterns are the ways you display and arrange the information and media on your web pages. For optimal user experience, these patterns should be relevant, engaging, and easy to scan and read. Some of the most common content patterns are card layout, which is a grid of rectangular elements that contain an image, a title, and a short description or call to action; hero layout, which is a large element that occupies the top or most of the web page; gallery layout, which is a collection of images or videos that can be viewed in a carousel, a lightbox, or a grid; and list layout that is a series of items arranged vertically or horizontally with an icon, a title, and a summary or detail. These content patterns are often used for showcasing products, services, or features; capturing attention and conveying messages or offers; displaying portfolios, projects, or testimonials; and displaying news, articles, or events.

4 Footer patterns

Footer patterns are the ways you provide additional information and links at the bottom of your web pages. Footer patterns should be simple, useful, and complementary to your main content and navigation. Common footer patterns include a basic single row of links or text, a multi-column grid of columns containing different types of links or information, and a sticky footer that stays fixed at the bottom of the viewport. By using these web design patterns, you can create reusable web layouts that suit your content and audience, while also being easy to maintain and update. You can also combine and modify these patterns to create your own unique and creative web layouts.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?