Sharepoint was designed to be intentionally sparse. It was created so users with no web-design knowledge could add and use content on the site. Because of this, it isn't the prettiest site, but once you understand the layout, it's functional and consistent.

Concept

Sharepoint has many components and can be used many ways, but there are 3 basic concepts:

1. Lists
   Lists are groups of data in a list format that can be sorted/filtered/viewed in different ways. Lists are generally similar in format to an Excel spreadsheet and can be exported to and imported from Excel. An example of a list is our Store List or Contact List.
    

2. Documents Folders
   As it sounds, document folders contain documents to be shared and collaborated on. Pictures can also be saved though there are separate folder types for pictures that offer things such as image views and slideshows. Documents will appear in a list-type of format. Documents can also be synchronized with PCs and mobile devices to be viewed without logging into Sharepoint. The nightly numbers spreadsheet is an example of a shared document.
    

3. Tasks
   Tasks are also list-type format, but include calendar and reminder type functionality.

All items are similar in their layout and functionality and there are many variations of these concepts. In general, it's basic office-type services with slight tweaks to focus on the benefits of the particular use. In general, Sharepoint was designed to share all these items within the company (and in some cases, externally).

Layout

The Sharepoint site is typically comprised of 5 sections

1. Sharepoint Header
   This includes the application selection box (choose from OneDrive, Office online apps, Calendar, Yammer, and other Office tools)
    

2. Content Options
   These tabs will give options related to the content on the current page. In the screenshot below, the page is a list. The List tab will give options for alerts, exporting, views, etc. related to that list. Click the tabs to see the options.
    

3. Team Site Header
   Varies, but will generally have navigational links to other important sites in our company. Currently, we have a link to each department and the Sharepoint home page.
    

4. Quick Links
   This list will vary, but will have links to your recent selections and any hard links we have added to the Sharepoint site.
    

5. Current Content
   The primary view of the page is whatever you are looking at currently. In the example, we are viewing the All Locations list, so you will see the details of that list displayed. You can scroll through this list and the other sections will remain.