By using large elements, images and type above the scroll, you can encourage visitors to stop, look around and even click or scroll to see what else you have. The oversized layout essentially serves as a pseudo-promotion to the rest of the site.
As the background for the screen or just as large images on the page, great visuals get room to be showcased. The thing to note here is the use of great visuals. Going oversized with an average or stock image, is not advised. You need an image that is unique, sharp and special to make it work.
Show off the great work of your copywriters for a stellar campaign or beautiful typography created by a designer. Big words can say more than just what you read from them. Size makes the text feel more important, memorable and should be saved for the best writing. This technique of using oversized text works best when words are kept to a minimum and are very straightforward in nature.
One type of project that really makes the most of oversized design are portfolio sites – for photographers and designers and almost any other artisan. The nature of an oversized layout allows the designer to use his or her site to highlight visual work. And what do you want from visual work? To see it, making big design a great option.
Another genre of website using oversized design is retail, and specifically food sales. What better way to show off a product or menu item than with a fantastic super-sized photo?
If you don’t have an image worthy of an oversized treatment, consider type. Big lettering, display type that typically more than 85 points, in a novelty typeface or almost any font used in an interesting way can have a lot of impact. Play with color combinations with both type and the background for optimum impact.
Big images need to be sharp, clear and deliver a strong message. If your site sells something, the item needs to be clearly visible. If your site focuses on food, showcase it. The best large images contain vibrant color and are easy to read at just a glance. They need to be of top-notch quality and should not be pixilated or grainy. It’s also best to avoid stock images. There is no advantage to an oversized photo or illustration that is used by other companies as well. Uniqueness will sell.
With a large layout it is important to leave some things alone. Develop a simple navigation theme that works in a familiar way. Anchor navigation tools in a common location, such as along the top of the page and consider the weight of navigation menus carefully. How important is navigation to the site and its usage? Do these items need to be oversized as well so that users can easily find them? Or do more standard-sized navigation tools work? Explore both options.
Creating a strong and consistent color palette is important. As with anything else that is big, users will see it in a major way. Colors need to work well together, create the right amount of contrast and highlight the proper parts of your site design.
Count an oversized design scheme and only use one other trick, such as animation, parallax scrolling effects or any other dominant design technique.
One of the common things that you will see among websites that are doing oversized design well is that they are using simple design schemes. There just is not a lot going on, allowing the big focal element on the screen to stand out. That’s typically what makes oversized design work. Let your one big element shine; if it is worthy of creating and showcasing at such a large size, allow users to see it easily.