Web Design: The Complete Reference [Paperback]

There are plenty of books on how to write HTML, and in fact Thomas Powell has already written one (HTML: The Complete Reference. This title is about the harder task of Web design, including planning the content, working out the overall layout of the site, making pages compelling and easy to use, and avoiding the numerous pitfalls of Web development. It is nevertheless a hands-on book, and the author assumes some knowledge of HTML, stylesheets, JavaScript and simple image manipulation. The idea is to help Web authors design and evaluate their work, with the focus firmly on the user's perspective.

After a general overview of usability, the author looks in detail at site navigation, including hyperlinks, indexing, and designing effective search facilities. For example, there are several pages on different kinds of rollover effects, with example code and a discussion of pros and cons. The next part covers page design, and tackles tricky issues such as fonts and colours on the web, and how to include forms and other interactive features.

A separate section on Web technology looks at browsers and browser detection, different versions of HTML and variants such as XHTML and XML, server-side and client-side programming, and the use of plug-ins, ActiveX and Java for rich client features. There is also a look at site management and how to make sense of usage logs. A short section covers future directions such as Web access from devices other than personal computers. The book closes with a series of appendices, covering site design principles, evaluation procedures, and references for fonts and colours. With plentiful examples, insights and suggestions, this is a great read for developers who know the technology but are unsure how best to put it all together. --Tim Anderson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

This book features a perfect blend of core theories behind Web design and practical, focused examples for designers of all levels.

Design, build, and maintain dynamic Web sites that balance form and function. Inside you'll find thorough explanations of effective site architecture, layout, and navigational features, and discover how to add graphics, links, and multimedia. Also learn to handle privacy and security issues with respect to site design, and program dynamic Web applications.

The Definitive Resource on Web Design Theory and Practice

Create effective Web sites following the latest technologies and techniques. Author, instructor, and Web design guru Thomas Powell has fully revised this second edition of his highly instructive Web design and development techniques. From determining your needs and planning your site, to the nuts-and-bolts of page development with text, graphics, scripts, and multimedia, everything you'll need to know is covered in this comprehensive volume. Updated content includes extended coverage of new browsers and technologies, standards-oriented development using XHTML, CSS and XML, emerging design conventions, and the latest Web-serving approaches for speedy site delivery. Plus work with live examples, useful links, and downloadable tools at the author's companion Web site.

-Learn Web design techniques and solid Web development skills
-Use site architecture to create a user-friendly environment
-Follow real-world examples of site designs suited to a variety of needs
-Perform site evaluations to discover hidden usability and execution problems
-Learn how to utilize search and advanced navigation in your site
-Add interactive features such as rollovers, navigation systems, and special page effects
-Integrate helpful Web interface tools like pull-down menus and forms
-Manage site delivery including usage analysis and capacity planning
-Find a concise reference for core Web technologies such as XHTML and Cascading Style Sheets

Thomas Powell is the founder and principal of Powell Internet Consulting, Inc. a San Diego-based web design firm that specializes in Web research and development and site construction for high-tech companies. He developed the Web Design Certificate Program at UCSD, teaches web publishing classes and serves as senior instructor and faculty advisor in the University's Information Technology Program. He holds a Bachelor of Science from UCLA and a Master's degree in Computer Science from UCSD. Powell is the author of three books: HTML: The Complete Reference and HTML Programmer's Reference for Osborne and Web Site Engineering: Beyond Web Page Design for Prentice Hall.