CHAPTER 1: What Is Web Design? Introduction Any discussion of Web design often quickly gets off track because what people mean by the expression varies so dramatically. While everyone has some sense of what Web design is, nobody seems to be able to define it exactly. Certain components, such as visual design or programming, are generally included in any discussion, but their importance in the construction of sites varies from individual to individual, as well as from site to site. Beyond visuals and technology considerations, many point to the creation and organization of content in Web sites as the most important aspect of Web design. Finally, with the rise of e-commerce, consideration of business issues has become an important component in a successful site design. Depending on the particular project, all of these disciplines, as well as other subdisciplines representing the intersection of these major facets of Web design, may be required. With influences from library science, graphic design, programming, client/server technology, user interface design, usability, and a variety of others, Web design is truly a multidisciplinary field. The Web Design Pyramid Building Web Sites Building for Users From Paper to Software The Web's GUI Heritage Content Focus Looks Matter The Form and Function Balance What Is Good Web Design? In Search of Web Design What You See Is What You Want Summary Next: The Web Design Pyramid

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