The Principles of Real-World Web Design
February 23, 2005
Killersites.com’s central philosophy is based in real-world web design principles. Real-world web design is about being able to filter out the ‘garbage’, while concentrating on what really works.
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In the web design and programming world, it is common for people to get caught up with trends that actually get in the way of our work. Many times the source of these ‘trends’ is found with people who are looking to make a profit.
I’ve been burnt in the past (and on more than one occasion,) by getting caught up with ‘the next greatest thing’. I’ve put together a list of the top 7 principles of Real-World web design, with the goal of helping people avoid common pitfalls.
THE PRINCIPLES OF REAL-WORLD WEB DESIGN
- Keep your eye on the prize: your job is to build effective websites, not to waste time on nerd-details that have no pratical impact.
- Don’t reinvent the wheel: use website templates, blogs and CMS (content management systems.)
- Don’t be ruled by ivory-tower specifications: pay attention to the reality in the field!
- Beware of upcoming technologies: ‘the next big thing’ is usually a one-hit-wonder.
- Respect your REAL audience: People surf the web with browsers – not website validators!
- Stick to: mainstream technologies and tools – avoid the weird stuff.
- Remember: most people don’t care what browser they’re using.
Stefan Mischook
