A splash page is often used to set the tone for the site and may consist of an interesting
animation, preloading sequence, or some form of “installation” information in regards
to what technology is required or what the user’s expectations should be. While splash
pages can be effective, very often they are not. The mere mention of the phrase “skip
intro” results in hearty chuckles among many designers. Yet the much maligned splash
page may just happen to have some uses. Some movie and entertainment sites have
found such sequences to be an integral aspect of their sites. Just like a movie without
opening credits, these sites would be incomplete without a splash page. This simple
example illustrates the most dangerous problem facing those learning Web design—
namely, assuming there is only one form of good Web design. Often, it seems that the
only absolute in a fluid discipline like Web design is that there is no absolute.
Rule: There is no form of “correct” Web design that fits every site.
As you read this book, you’ll notice that various rules and suggestions are presented.
These are fairly safe and well thought out, but their real value comes from understanding
the motivation for them, not from blindly applying them. The importance of this
distinction will become apparent once you see that many of the “rules” seem at odds
with other rules. Exhibiting good judgment that strikes a balance between conflicts is
a key attribute of a great Web designer.
A discussion of site evaluations that attempts to cover all aspects of Web design
from taste to technical implementation can be found in Chapter 5, and a checklist
useful during such site evaluations is presented in Appendix B. Yet do not fall into the
trap of becoming a professional critic. Certainly it is important to point out what not to
do by finding flaws in sites or criticizing what is bad, but spending too much time
discussing bad Web design may not be fruitful, particularly when you consider that
there is no accounting for poor taste. It is easy to criticize, but it is much more difficult
to take your acquired knowledge and apply it to a site of your own.
In the final analysis, the best approach to learning Web design is obviously by
doing. Reading about site design theory or reviewing sites simply isn’t a replacement
for building sites of your own. Yet before you set out constructing a site, learn the core
principles of Web design as well as the building and evaluation procedures that will
help you construct your Web sites well.
animation, preloading sequence, or some form of “installation” information in regards
to what technology is required or what the user’s expectations should be. While splash
pages can be effective, very often they are not. The mere mention of the phrase “skip
intro” results in hearty chuckles among many designers. Yet the much maligned splash
page may just happen to have some uses. Some movie and entertainment sites have
found such sequences to be an integral aspect of their sites. Just like a movie without
opening credits, these sites would be incomplete without a splash page. This simple
example illustrates the most dangerous problem facing those learning Web design—
namely, assuming there is only one form of good Web design. Often, it seems that the
only absolute in a fluid discipline like Web design is that there is no absolute.
Rule: There is no form of “correct” Web design that fits every site.
As you read this book, you’ll notice that various rules and suggestions are presented.
These are fairly safe and well thought out, but their real value comes from understanding
the motivation for them, not from blindly applying them. The importance of this
distinction will become apparent once you see that many of the “rules” seem at odds
with other rules. Exhibiting good judgment that strikes a balance between conflicts is
a key attribute of a great Web designer.
A discussion of site evaluations that attempts to cover all aspects of Web design
from taste to technical implementation can be found in Chapter 5, and a checklist
useful during such site evaluations is presented in Appendix B. Yet do not fall into the
trap of becoming a professional critic. Certainly it is important to point out what not to
do by finding flaws in sites or criticizing what is bad, but spending too much time
discussing bad Web design may not be fruitful, particularly when you consider that
there is no accounting for poor taste. It is easy to criticize, but it is much more difficult
to take your acquired knowledge and apply it to a site of your own.
In the final analysis, the best approach to learning Web design is obviously by
doing. Reading about site design theory or reviewing sites simply isn’t a replacement
for building sites of your own. Yet before you set out constructing a site, learn the core
principles of Web design as well as the building and evaluation procedures that will
help you construct your Web sites well.
No comments:
Post a Comment