Beautiful Web Design

Information:

Chapter 1: Layout and Composition
An awareness of design relies heavily on understanding the spatial relationships that
exist between the individual components of a design. The layout chapter kicks off the
design process by investigating possible page components. With these blocks defined,
we discuss some tools and examples that will help you start your own designs on a
solid foundation. Finally, we commence the development of a layout for our sample
web site design, which we’ll build on throughout the book.

Chapter 2: Color
Perhaps the most mysterious aspect of design is the topic of color selection. Chapter
2 sheds some light on this topic as we delve into both the aesthetic and scientific
aspects of color theory. Armed with these simple guidelines, and some tips for
creating harmonious color combinations, anybody can choose a set of colors that
work well together to complement the overall message of a web site. We’ll do just that
toward the end of the chapter, when we select a relevant and attractive palette for our
sample web site design.

Chapter 3: Texture
An aspect of web design that’s often overlooked, texture is the key to creating designs
that stand out. By understanding how the individual elements of texture function,
you’ll learn how to use points, lines, and shapes to communicate and support your
site’s message on a number of levels. We’ll then apply what we’ve learned to the sample
site layout, which will give us a chance to see firsthand just how much value texture
can add to the overall impact of a web site design.

Chapter 4: Typography
The importance of typography is self-evident. Type is everywhere, and
understanding the mechanics of written language is essential for any visual designer.
In this chapter, we’ll dive beneath the surface of this rich topic, exploring the basics
of the letterform, and investigating various typeface distinctions. When the timecomes, you’ll have the opportunity to get your hands dirty as we apply carefully
selected typefaces to our sample site design.

Chapter 5: Imagery
The necessary companions to any well-designed site are the images and illustrations
that grace its pages. In the final chapter, we’ll discuss what we should look for in the
visual elements that we use on our pages, and locate sources of legitimate supporting
imagery. Of course, finding the right image is often just the beginning. We’ll also learn
the basics of cropping, masking, borders, and file formats, before we take the final step
in our sample site design: incorporating imagery that supports our clients’ branding,
and helps communicate the message they’re trying to convey.


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