What is the first thing to ask yourself when designing a website?

The initial consideration in any design project is understanding purpose. Before layouts, colors, or content are chosen, it is essential to clarify the main goal of the site. Questions often focus on who the intended audience is, what information needs to be communicated, and what actions users should take. Establishing clear objectives ensures that later design choices—such as navigation, structure, and visual style—align with user needs. Without this foundation, projects risk becoming visually appealing but ineffective. Identifying purpose at the start provides direction, saves time, and creates a basis for measuring whether the final product meets expectations.