If you are squeamish about choosing colors, feel uninspired by a blank browser window, or get lost trying to choose the right font, this book is for you. In it, I take a methodical approach to presenting traditional graphic design theory as it applies to today’s web site development industry. While the content is directed toward programmers and developers, it provides a design primer that will benefit readers at any level.
Roll over each design element above to learn more about what’s in each chapter.
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Chapter 1: Layout and Composition
An awareness of design relies heavily on understanding the spatial relationships that exist between the individual components of a design. The layout chapter kicks off the design process by investigating possible page components. With these blocks defined, we discuss some tools and examples that will help you start your own designs on a solid foundation. Finally, we commence the development of a layout for our sample web site design, which we’ll build on throughout the book.
Chapter 2: Color
Perhaps the most mysterious aspect of design is the topic of color selection. Chapter 2 sheds some light on this topic as we delve into both the aesthetic and scientific aspects of color theory. Armed with these simple guidelines, and some tips for creating harmonious color combinations, anybody can choose a set of colors that work well together to complement the overall message of a web site. We’ll do just that toward the end of the chapter, when we select a relevant and attractive palette for our sample web site design.
Chapter 3: Texture
An aspect of web design that’s often overlooked, texture is the key to creating designs that stand out. By understanding how the individual elements of texture function, you’ll learn how to use points, lines, and shapes to communicate and support your site’s message on a number of levels. We’ll then apply what we’ve learned to the sample site layout, which will give us a chance to see firsthand just how much value texture can add to the overall impact of a web site design.
Chapter 4: Typography
The importance of typography is self-evident. Type is everywhere, and understanding the mechanics of written language is essential for any visual designer. In this chapter, we’ll dive beneath the surface of this rich topic, exploring the basics of the letterform, and investigating various typeface distinctions. When the time comes, you’ll have the opportunity to get your hands dirty as we apply carefully selected typefaces to our sample site design.
Chapter 5: Imagery
The necessary companions to any well-designed site are the images and illustrations that grace its pages. In the final chapter, we’ll discuss what we should look for in the visual elements that we use on our pages, and locate sources of legitimate supporting imagery. Of course finding the right image is often just the beginning. We’ll also learn the basics of cropping, masking, borders, and file formats, before we take the final step in our sample design: incorporating imagery that supports our clients’ branding, and helps communicate the message they’re trying to convey.
The Principles of Beautiful Web Design - Published by SitePoint