Vastu-purusha mandala and web page design: Comparison of tradition and modernity

Abstract

Web page design is an important aspect that web and graphic designers learn and master. With changes in form factors and web design trends, web design concepts and considerations are also changing. Mobile first is the new paradigm which is being followed. Various tools like eye tracking have helped designers to understand how users looks at a web page and how content should be displayed in browsers for increased customer stickiness. Usability and eye tracking studies have shown that most users browse a web page from top left and end at bottom right corner of the page. But these are not the only principles that the designers should be aware of. An old Indian concept called “Vastu-Purusha Mandala” has similar features and considerations. Vastu-Purusha Mandala is a pictorial representation of directional principles for construction of buildings and cities. This concept has similar considerations based on philosophy, mythology and climatic considerations of the Indian sub-continent. Ancient cities like Jaipur in India are based on the concept of Vastu-Purusha Mandala. This paper looks at a similarities and differences between elements and principles of web page design and Vastu-Purusha Mandala and identify areas of similarities and dis-similarities for location and relationship of important elements. Additional space design principles and focus areas can be deduced from an old concept which may enhance the perspective of how a web designer looks at design for web. This paper will establish that whether it is space design or web design, user centricity helps plan and design in context for the end customer.