Elements of Web Design [Paperback]

Darcy Dinucci (Author), Maria Giudice (Author), Lynne Stiles (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 16, 1996

Elements of Web Design introduces traditional designers to the opportunities and pitfalls of Web design. Assuming readers understand traditional design issues but not the specific demands of the Web, this book includes chapters on every step of assembling pages - from pulling together a team with the appropriate skills, to choosing the right design formats, to creating contracts with clients to reflect the ever-changing nature of Web pages.The work and wisdom of successful pioneers of Web design is highlighted throughout the book. Topics covered include creating an interface, the uses and limits of HTML, alternate formats such as Acrobat and SGML, formatting and preparing graphics, sound quality, animation, interactivity, and keeping a Web site fresh.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This is a useful overview of the issues and challenges in Web interface design, written for the designer or hobbyist faced with the task of planning or designing a Web site. Elements of Web Design is not a software how-to book, and it certainly won't be your only book for Web design. But it's a good introduction that discusses unifying the look and function of navigational elements, provides shots of real-world sites and useful quotes from prominent Web designers, and offers rudimentary information on HTML, graphics, animation, video, sound, and plug-ins.

From Library Journal

This visually stunning book is filled with oodles of example sites and explanations of how they were created. The specific problems and benefits of various designs are discussed along with the general coverage of web design, HTML, graphics, sound, interactivity, and more. For the advanced beginner on up, this should do well in most collections.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Peachpit Pr (December 16, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201885948
• ISBN-13: 978-0201885941
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,809,236 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Is An Essential Investment!, March 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Elements of Web Design (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

There is a lot of competition these days for talented Web developers. A casual glance at the classified section of any major city newspaper or online job bank will list a number of related job openings. Many of these positions require a good understanding of Website design to effectively convey client product and services information. While many schools and workshops offer various levels of Website design instruction, good books on the subject are still essential investments everyone should make.

Elements of Web Design by Darcy Dinucci, Maria Giudice and Lynne Stiles offers an excellent introduction to the art and science of this very sought after skill. The book offers an excellent overview of the entire process of designing Websites. Readers will pick up on goal setting, mapping out and incorporating information, effective interface design, content creation, scripting and programming, testing, publishing, and publicizing.

Readers are also taught the basics of Website interactivity, HTML programming, layout design, typography, Web graphics, and multimedia. As readers thumb through this book they will grasp the importance of each one of these topics and understand how they work together to convey over all Website content. Excellent HTML and Web browser reference charts at the back of the book lists all the latest tags and compatibility issues for Web browsers currently in use today.

This book does not offer quick solutions in the form of ready-to-use scripts, graphic images, sounds, and tips offered in most books. What this book does offer is sound Website design theory and concepts that when learned and properly applied can be used to launch a promising and successful career. The book is well-illustrated, easy to follow along, and offers the best in the way of practical instruction. The authors have done well!

Readers will get started in the right direction with this book. It will open up the world of creative Website design for both fun and profit. It is must reading for all aspiring Web developers and highly recommended for classroom use!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars For absolute beginners only, December 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Elements of Web Design (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

I was extremely dissapointed after reading all the wonderful reviews of this book, to find out that all it includes is a brief synsopsis of html and web features. I am a web page developer and was hoping to sharpen some of my skills, however all this book did is waste my money. If you already know html and how to put together a web page, DON'T buy this book. It may be ok for an absolute beginner, but I'm not willing to waste my time reading it to find out.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Way Above Average!, May 12, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Elements of Web Design (Paperback)

I highly recommend this book. Its information delivery is enhanced by a beautiful and accessible book design. The book includes lots of great information, designer's quotes, visual examples of creative web design, and useful color-coded descriptions of key terms and glossary items are presented on almost every page. As a web design book author myself, I am highly critical of other's books. I bought this book for my own design library and I have yet to tire of reading its contents or enjoying its beautiful layout and presentation