Customer Reviews

Designing Web Graphics. 4, 4th Edition

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I'm quite amazed by the positive reviews, because this is one of the worst web related books I've ever seen. The techniques presented in this book are often outdated and I could not believe my eyes when I saw the book has been published in 2002. Tricks like using the <pre> tag to increase leading apparently did not die in the 90's.

Even worse, it's plagued with errors --- I found about six huge errors (not typos!) on four pages.

Hands off this one.

The author of this book is so arrogant that I found it difficult to follow the true content in this book. Speaking of content, less than 5 of the 30 chapters in this book even mention web graphics in passing (the title of this book is "designing web graphics"). There are numerous errors in the information being provided, not only typos, but flat out false and/or outdated information. Instead of providing useful content, this author has created an outline of additional resources to buy, such as her other books and subscription to her online resource library, her brother's books and services, her husband's books, and any other book put out by the same publishing company. This author states repeatedly that she has no knowledge of scripting, yet dedicates half of this book to her advice on how to code (consisting of I don't know how) and how to get someone to code for you. She first says that tables should be used only for data, not design, then later explains how to design pages with tables. The double talk in this book will make your head spin. Chapters start out with an introduction to the material, then the material is presented in an abbreviated format (similar to an introduction), then comes a brief recap, and finally a summary... giving you four chances to retain what little information there is to find in the chapters. If this book weren't required reading for school, I would promptly return it for a refund.

If I didn't damage my book upon receipt, I would have returned it. I'm an intranet developer with very little graphics experience. I purchased this book because of Linda's status in the graphic design world and assumed it would help me add some "umph" to my web designs. Unfortunately, this book didn't expound enough on any one subject to make it worth my effort. The book is good for basic information and can be used for a reference on some design basics. However, it did not provide substantial knowledge for developers with more than 6 months experience. I give it three stars for it being a useful beginner book. I would give it 2 stars if you have any experience at all in web design. Linda Weinman just didn't live up to her billing in my opinion. I'm sure she has the experience and ability. I just wish she would have given us more of that in this book.

Group 1.
- Do you want to know everything about web graphic design to decide where to dig deeper?
- Are you looking for a colorful reference that contains huge number of websites to help you learn web graphic design?

If so, then this book is for you!

Group 2.
- Are you looking for a book that guides you through steps to perform different tasks in web graphic design?

If yes, then forget about this title!

I will give it 5 stars, because I'm from Group 1

I've bought two of Lynda's books and will probably get more because they are very clear and easy to follow. Combining well-written but concise text with screen shots, this book is great for web design newbies (like me!).

The book doesn't attempt to be the web graphics bible. Some of its topics only skim the surface. But there is enough information there to send you off on a fact-finding mission elsewhere. (Ya gotta start somewhere, right? Lynda Weinman gives great introductions to sophisticated web topics.)

Of particular use to me are the chapters on information architecture, browser-safe colors (with a color chart!), and cascading style sheets. My only pet peeve is that books like this always include one or two chapters on frames -- if everyone discourages them so much, why dedicate so much precious space to them??!

"Designing Web Graphics" is a great resource for me. As I've been learning Dreamweaver and planning a redesign of my site, I find myself opening Weinman's book often.

I had heard of Lynda before and seen her website, but I had not read any of her books before this one.  I was very impressed with the low level detail and lack of too much jargon in this book. It was short and to the point. The book was an easy and quick read due to her design.  The book is good for basic reference information on web design.  It touches on almost everything you encounter when designing websites.  I was able to touch on the important topics and was given the right amount of theory / background necessary to understand the concepts.  I found that chapters on information design architecture, colors, frames and cascading style sheets were very helpful.  Although I already have a book on colors, I though the color charts were a nice touch.  I agree that this book was not created to be the "bible" of web design.  It gives you the basics and points you in the right direction for more fact-finding on your own.  The links to other resources were also very helpful in that respect.

Overall, I think this is an excellent book for the new web designer, no matter which tool you are using to create the web pages.  The broad approach to the design and notes regarding specific browser quirks was invaluable.

Loren Elks
Group Manager, D-MAG.org

I own a total of (4) of Lynda Weinman's books.

Very detailed, very informative, and an excellent reference to have on your book shelf.

NOTE: a lot of info in these books is now obsolete. I amend my post by saying this is a good "reference" in the PAST tense. You may wish to look elsewhere for more current information.

I have this book for a long time now. It's a very thorow guide for building a website from the very beginning. And I mean from the moment you are trying to get a customer intrested in your websites. telling you how to reach you customers, builiding a concept, video on your website, etc etc. Lynda is the best. I hope there is going to be a upgrade of this book telling you al the new gadgets.

Out of all the books in the <designing web graphics> series, I think that this is the best. It covers the additional process and requirements that the Designer and Web team are ultimately responsible for - not only design expertise and look and feel, but also under-the-surface work like the Creative Brief and Style Guide. It even covers urgent topics like usability and accessibility, which are extremely helpful! I've always referred to Lynda's teaching manuals because they're smart and personable. I really enjoy having a guide like this to refer to when starting a new project or when I feel like I'm stuck in the middle of one.

The book gives insight to some basic knowledge in web design, eg colors, file types etc. It builds up the information smoothly.