It’s tempting to think that a microsite is easier to build than a standard website, but don’t let the tiny name fool you into believing it’s a small task. From strikingly simple single page designs to master works created entirely in Flash, the possibilities are as wide and varied as any other web design project. Microsites can often feature more complexities and require repeated design tweaks which could easily slow your progress if you fail to plan properly. Let’s discuss four examples of beautiful microsites and why they work so well.
1. SimpliSafe Digital Security Guide
This single page digital security guide is about as usable as it gets. The company branding is subtle but clear, making it easy for users to click through if they want to know more. The design is clean and uncluttered, enabling the content to stand out. This microsite also uses parallax scrolling, which provides visual interest and a high level of usability for the viewer.
2. Simply Business Email Marketing Guide
This email marketing guide uses a minimal color scheme with pops of bright colors to visually guide the user. This microsite is also interactive (as opposed to a static microsite), and lets users pick and choose which resources they would like to interact with. Overall, this microsite is a great example of a pared down and simple design that focuses on content and usability.
3. Other Icons by Lubos Volkov
Other Icons is a great example of a single page microsite that uses a minimal design to emphasize the designer’s work: icon design. The site uses color blocking to create visual interest and draw attention to the icons, and the designer was careful to keep the design simple so as not to distract from the main focus. The color scheme is black, white, and gray with a pop of orange that draws the user’s attention to the call to action.
4. Milk and Pixels
Milk and Pixels uses a large background photo above the fold, which quickly sets the tone for their brand. Below the background image, there examples of the agency’s work, which is complimented and emphasized by the surrounding white space. The content on this microsite is simple, but the design elements add several layers of depth as users scroll down the site.
5. Every Last Drop
The Every Last Drop microsite is a great example of a fun, cartoon-style style. It also utilizes parallax scrolling and is highly interactive, which keeps users engaged and interested. For designers, this style of microsite usually offers the most creative freedom and the opportunity to create a unique and memorable user experience.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the success or failure of a microsite, the examples used here highlight just a few of the options. Overall, microsites allow designers more creativity and freedom as they focus down to just one or two objectives.
