Introduction

Color, layout, and navigation are what usually come to mind when one thinks about web design. With your web server set up and your site-building plan ready to go, you're surely ready to turn your attention to more artistic pursuits. But the path from site map and mockup to finished web site can't be followed in a blind pursuit of creative freedom. The visual impression your site projects demands careful consideration of the tradeoffs that lie at the intersection of inventive design, user satisfaction, and business needs. In this chapter, I'll explore some of those choices and present solutions that will help you balance aesthetics with usability.