Chapter Seven. Designing The Web Site

Ken is ready to start defining the “look & feel” of his web site. When looking at the web sites of several web site designers, he notices that they emphasized the need for a completely unique look and feel to a web site. But, the question is why? There are millions of web sites on the Internet today. When users visit a web site, they appreciate a clear, crisp, easy to use design — but they are not that concerned about a unique look.

 

Ken doesn’t know where to start. Dan (the consultant) suggests that he do some research on the Internet and find some sites that he likes. Ken finds several sites that he thinks look very nice. He is not going to copy their source code, but he does get some good ideas for the look and feel of his web site. What will make Ken’s web site unique is the quality content.  

 

Ken sketches the web site on paper. This sketch identifes the main layout, the main navigation, fonts, and colors. Ken reviews the design sketch with the same five people that previously reviewed and commented on his audience definition statement. As before, Ken incorporates their review comments into the design. Next, Ken will build a prototype page using basic HTML tags and CSS. In the next chapter, we will see how Ken chooses between using tables or CSS layout to implement his design. There are pros and cons to both methods.