Site–Seeing: A Visual Approach to Web Usability

Although Web usability has received lots of hype, especially during the dot–com meltdown, the focus has been mostly on technical issues. Usability experts stress the pitfalls of frames and too many images on Web pages. They recommend editing out unnecessary words and writing in a non–linear style–all valuable advice, of course. But less frequently do they highlight the importance of the visual presentation of Web pages.

The Web is a communication medium that does most of its talking visually. What you see on a Web page tells you what you might find within the site, how to get there, and why it might interest you–not to mention the instinctive emotional response that shapes your Web experience. As a result, Web usability issues are communication issues. Easy–to–use sites are those that communicate quickly and effectively.

Site–Seeing takes a fresh approach to Web usability by applying visual communication principles and decision–making to Web design. Specifically, readers will learn the key concepts behind visual organization, look and feel, technical considerations, and clear planning that stem from audience awareness. Through numerous, full–color examples author Luke Wroblewski deconstructs "the good, the bad, and the ugly" of Web design.

The visual presentation of a site does more than merely making it pretty. It organizes information according to function. It creates distinct and appropriate personalities. It provides emotional impact and attachment. In short, it engages the audience–and keeps them coming back.

From the back cover:

"Usability" has become the watchword of contemporary Web design, and with good reason. But until now, books on Web usability have focused chiefly on response times, compatibility, and other technical matters, providing only limited guidance on design issues. This book takes Web usability a step further–and shows how good visual design can make a site not just usable, but user–friendly.

Using hundreds of real–world Web examples, interface expert Luke Wroblewski explains how to enhance usability by applying the principles of visual communications to site design. Good visual design, he demonstrates, can make a site‘s organization crystal clear–and convey its personality or "attitude" in an instant. Offering lots of specific design recommendations for text, links, images, navigation, forms, home pages, dynamic content, and Web services, Site–Seeing delivers the insights and advice you need to boost a site‘s visual appeal–and take Web usability to the next level.
* Learn how colors, type, photos, and more work together to give each site a distinct personality
* Create Web sites that are both practical and charged with emotion
* Discover how visual organization can clarify Web site elements and simplify interactions

About the Author:

Luke Wroblewski heads the interface design and new media design and development efforts at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). At NCSA, he redesigned the Kellogg Company‘s intranet, codeveloped the Open Portal Inter–face Environment (OPIE), and spearheaded many other Web and interface projects. He has also taught Web design courses at the University of Illinois and presented papers on interface design at professional conferences.