There are many factors and decisions that go into creating the perfect web design. Where to start, what tools to use and how your design elements will appear on the page are just a few of the many choices web designers have to make during any project. This list of resources, tools and articles provides help when it comes to web design.
1. How To Design a Website
As with most design projects, the first step when creating a website is to perform research. Some of this research will be done with the client to get an understanding of their needs, and other research will be done to learn more about a specific industry. When meeting with your client, you’ll be looking to discover as much as possible to help you develop an outline for the site and eventually design it. This includes asking about their target audience, goals, creative direction and other variables that may affect what you can offer the client, such as budget and deadline. This step-by-step will walk you through the process of web design.
2. How to Create Wireframes for Web Design
Website design wireframes are simple line drawings that show the placement of elements on a web page. You can save yourself a great deal of time by editing the layout of a simple wireframe at the start of the design process instead of a complex design later.
Using wireframes is a great way to begin a web site design project, as it allows you and your client to focus on layout without the distraction of color, type and other design elements. Concentrate on what goes where on your web pages and the percentage of space that each element takes up, which can be determined by your client's needs. This step-by-step will walk you through the process of creating wireframes.
3. Web 2.0 Design
There are many trends in modern web design, often referred to as part of web 2.0. Web 2.0 design often features textures, drop shadows, clean grid layouts, icons, and other design elements. Here are 10 trends in modern web 2.0 design, along with examples of each. The web design trends that are listed include textures, drop shadows, beveled edges, large or styled types, clean grid layouts, bold intro statements, icons and simple sign up forms.
4. Types of Website Navigation
Navigation is a key element of any website. It's how the user gets from section to section, and to your content. Aside from creating something unique, there are several options for navigation in web design that are quite common, and for a good reason… they help the user browse your site easily. The navigation ideas listed include horizontal text, vertical text, drop-down menus, sub-menus, text with descriptions, icons or graphics and experimental.
5. Designing For Print vs. The Web
Designing for print media versus designing for the web can be a completely different experience. To better understand these differences, the two can be compared in major topic areas: types of media, audience, layout, color, technology and careers. Remember we’re looking at the graphic design side of web design, not the technical side.
6. Working as a Web Designer
Web design is an essential part of a company’s image, brand, and advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns. The side of web design that would be considered graphic design is the creation of the actual look and feel of a website. Many web designers are also involved in web development, creating the functionality behind a working website. Even if someone wants to just focus on the web design side, an understanding of the technology behind websites is essential to create designs that are both attractive and functional.
7. How to Choose a Website Domain Name
Choosing a domain name for you or a client for a web design project can be a long and tedious process. With so many names no longer available, creating a new one or finding the right one requires research, creativity and sometimes a significant investment. Regardless of whether you are looking for a brand new name or considering purchasing one, the same factors come into play to determine the value of the domain name to your business.
8. Examples of Successful Web Design Layouts
Successful web design layouts depend on many variables including consistent navigation, proper balance, use of space, and clear delivery of content. Here are examples of successful layouts in a variety of industries. The web design layouts included are Mini USA, Veerle's Blog, Lightroom Architecture and New Media, Knoll, Veer and Jeremy Cowart Photography.
9. How to Use the Grid System in Graphic Design
The grid system in graphic design is a way of organizing content on a page, using any combination of margins, guides, rows and columns. It is commonly seen in newspapers, magazine layout and web design with columns of text and images. One grid, or a collection of grids, may be used across an entire project to achieve a consistent look and feel. In a finished product, the grid is invisible, but following it helps in creating successful print and web design layouts.
10. Featured Web Designs on the About.com Blog
The following is the ongoing list of featured websites from the about.com graphic design blog. The list includes ISO50, Dave Werner, North Kingdom, XRS Nowe Media, DesignChapel, MoMA's Design and the Elastic Mind.