What are page blocks and why are they used in web design?

Page blocks refer to distinct and organised sections or units of content within a webpage. These blocks help structure and present information in a clear and visually appealing manner. Page blocks are an essential concept in web design, providing a way to organise and display various types of content.

The specific design and arrangement of page blocks depend on the website’s goals, target audience, and overall aesthetic preferences.

So, why are they used in web design?

Organisation and structure

One of the primary advantages of using page blocks is that they help in effectively organising the information on a webpage. They provide a clear and structured layout, ensuring that the content is presented logically. By dividing the information into distinct sections, page blocks make it easier for users to understand the hierarchy of the content and navigate through the webpage efficiently.

By categorising content into separate blocks, each with a specific purpose or topic, websites can present information in a more coherent and user-friendly way. This helps users quickly locate the information they are seeking, as they can easily identify and navigate to the relevant content block.

Visual appeal 

When designing a webpage, one effective strategy that designers use is breaking down the page into distinct blocks. These blocks can consist of various elements such as text, images, videos, or interactive features. By doing this, designers can create visually appealing layouts that capture the attention of users and it is dependent on what information is needed as they go further down the page.

Readability 

Page blocks improve the readability of a webpage. Users can quickly identify and focus on specific sections of interest, making it more likely that they will find the information they are looking for. By providing clear and easily scannable sections, such as headings or bullet points, users can quickly determine which parts of a document or webpage are relevant to their needs. This helps them avoid wasting time on irrelevant information and allows them to focus their attention on the specific sections that are most important to them.

Responsive design

Page blocks are essential for creating responsive web designs that adapt to different screen sizes and devices. Designers use responsive design techniques to control how content is displayed on different platforms, such as desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Through responsive design, designers can ensure that the content appears consistently and in a user-friendly manner across various devices.

Modularity and reusability

Designing web pages using page blocks promotes modularity and reusability. Designers can create standardised blocks that can be reused across different pages or even different websites, providing a consistent look and feel. By using standardised blocks, designers can ensure a consistent look and feel throughout a website or a collection of pages. This consistency is crucial to establishing a cohesive user experience and brand identity. It helps users navigate the website more easily as they become familiar with the repeated elements, such as headers, footers, or sidebars.

User engagement

Certain page blocks, such as call-to-action (CTA) blocks, are strategically placed to encourage user engagement. Whether it’s filling out a form, making a purchase, or subscribing to a newsletter, well-designed page blocks guide users toward specific actions. One key aspect of well-designed page blocks is their ability to effectively communicate the purpose and benefits of taking a particular action. By using clear and concise language, along with visually appealing elements such as icons or images, users can quickly understand the value that comes with completing the desired action.

Faster development

Using page blocks in web development can greatly accelerate the overall process. By utilising pre-designed and reusable blocks of content, both designers and developers can create a library of elements that can be easily implemented across multiple pages and websites. This not only saves time but also ensures consistency and uniformity in the design and layout of the web pages.

One of the key benefits of using page blocks is the efficiency it brings to the development process. 

Instead of starting from scratch each time a new page or section needs to be created, developers can simply select and customise existing page blocks to fit their specific needs. This eliminates the need to recreate similar elements repeatedly, reducing the overall development time significantly.

Content Management

Page blocks in content management systems are essential tools for easily editing and moving content when making changes to a page layout or content for different pages. These blocks are customisable sections within a page where content can be added, edited, and rearranged without having to modify the entire page structure. This flexibility allows content managers to quickly update and optimise the layout and content of a website without the need for complex coding or design changes.

Accessibility

Page blocks are an essential component of web accessibility, as they enable designers to organise and structure content on a webpage in a manner that is easily understandable and navigable by individuals using screen readers and other assistive technologies.

When creating a website, designers often divide the content into distinct sections or blocks, enabling users to perceive and interact with the information presented on the webpage effectively.

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)

Properly structured content refers to content that is formatted in a way that is easily understandable and navigable for both users and search engines. It involves breaking down the content into logical blocks or sections, such as headings, paragraphs, bullet points, or lists. This organisation helps to improve the readability and user experience of the content.

When content is organised into blocks, it becomes easier for search engines to crawl and index the web pages, further improving SEO. Search engine crawlers can easily identify and interpret the different sections of the content, allowing them to understand the context and relevance of the information provided. This, in turn, helps search engines determine the quality and value of the content.

In summary

By breaking down a webpage into manageable page blocks, designers can create a cohesive and user-friendly layout, making it easier for visitors to consume and engage with the information presented on the site.

Page blocks in web design serve the crucial purpose of structuring information, enhancing visual appeal, easing editing and improving the overall user experience. They are a fundamental aspect of modern web design practices, contributing to both the functionality and aesthetics of a website.

Need help building your website or writing coherent content? Get the help you need by contacting the Echo team to make the most of your website.