How to Design Great Websites - An Interview with Dan Healey
To celebrate the launch of our new website here at Remarkable - we wanted to take the opportunity to grill Dan Healey who is one of our Frontend Developers specialising in website design. Dan has been involved in many of our clients websites but also was also instrumental in getting our own website live.
How long have you been at Remarkable Commerce for?
I joined Remarkable in April 2014, fresh out of university. In fact, I interviewed for the junior position while still completing the final six weeks of my course and was fortunate to be offered the role. Remarkable was incredibly supportive, allowing me to balance my studies and work simultaneously—a stroke of luck I truly appreciated.
How long have you worked in web design?
I’ve always been passionate about the design aspect of the industry, and my goal has consistently been to focus on that more than frontend development. I’ve made an effort to incorporate my design skills whenever possible. Recently, as the team has grown and the business has evolved, I’ve had the opportunity to step back from coding and dedicate more time to UX and UI design, which has been incredibly fulfilling.
What have been your favourite websites to work on and why?
My favorite project has to be the new Remarkable website. It was my first start-to-finish design process, and I worked closely with Aaron outside of work on several design concepts. After refining an initial example over a few weeks, I aimed to present Mark and Steve with a complete package. To make the pitch more compelling, I spent time researching and creating a comprehensive Brand Guidelines document. This not only helps elevate the Remarkable brand but also provides better control as the business grows, especially across social media, events, and the website.
What made this project particularly rewarding was starting with simple wireframes and experimenting with various iterations before finalising the design. Even during the build phase, the tech stack we used enabled us to implement some really cool and innovative features. It’s been an exciting journey from concept to completion.
Outside of Remarkable, what are your favourite websites to use?
Controversial, I know, but I have to say Amazon. Over the past decade, have you ever seen it undergo a complete redesign? No, you haven’t. Instead, they’ve made continuous, incremental changes to almost every aspect of the site while maintaining a look and feel that’s consistently familiar. It’s a perfect example of UX and UI done right. It might not be the most visually striking, but the regular, thoughtful updates ensure it remains intuitive and easy to use.In my day-to-day work, I constantly seek inspiration from a variety of sources, so I don’t really have a “favorite website.” Inspiration comes from everywhere—TV, magazines, books, and even the smallest details. I sometimes even catch myself playing a game where I try to guess the font used in typography I come across (I know, I can’t help it!).
What 3 top tips do you have for building a great website?
My perspective has evolved significantly over the past few years. I used to focus primarily on creating visually appealing designs, but recently, I’ve made a concerted effort to understand the target audience. This often involves challenging conversations with brands, as their perception of their audience may not always align with reality.
Through observing focus groups and analysing research, I’ve realised the importance of well-thought-out navigation and prioritising usability. A site should be intuitive, with essential information easy to locate. Lastly, an often-overlooked aspect is accessibility—adhering to best practices ensures your site is inclusive for all users, including those with disabilities.
What 3 things should you avoid when building a website?
Remarkables primary focus is eCommerce, catering to two distinct types of shoppers. First, those who enjoy browsing without a clear idea of what they want or need—these users rely on the site to intuitively suggest the right products at the right time and price. Second, those who know exactly what they want and value a quick, seamless checkout process.
Overcomplicated or cluttered designs can overwhelm users and create unnecessary distractions. In today’s fast-paced world, where many shop on the go, optimising loading times is crucial—every effort should be made to speed up the site.
Another critical aspect is testing. Even something as simple as having a colleague navigate the site can help identify bugs or usability issues that may go unnoticed during development. Delaying fixes can lead to problems later. At Remarkable, we prioritise quality assurance with a robust QA team that combines automated testing with thorough manual click-through tests to ensure a smooth user experience.
What are some of the frequently asked questions you get when working with clients on their websites?
How do I align my website design with my brand identity?
Consistency in visuals, tone, and messaging is key to reflecting your brand values.
How often should I update my website?
Regular updates are necessary for content, security, and functionality. A quarterly review of both UI and UX is a good starting point.
How do I track my website's performance?
Use tools like Google Analytics to monitor traffic, user behavior, and conversion rate. Again a quarterly review is the best way to stay on top of performance.
What trends should we look out for in the future of website design?
AI is undoubtedly a powerful tool that will become essential for us all. And no, it's not here to take our jobs!
Minimalist and Functional Design: Whether we're on our phones or at home with our 4K screens, we need to prioritise simplicity. Overloading the screen with unnecessary content only strains our eyes—design should guide a user, offer relief, and not overwhelm.
A well-designed site drives sales. Immersive AR and VR: The rise of AR and VR is transforming shopping, from virtually trying on shoes to mapping clothes to our body shapes. We’re still a few years away from this being the norm, but it’s coming!