Principles of Web Design (Part of the Allyn & Bacon Series in Technical Communication) [Paperback]

David K. Farkas (Author), Jean Farkas (Author), Sam Dragga (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0205302912 | ISBN-13: 978-0205302918 | Publication Date: October 22, 2001 | Edition: 1

This is a conceptually rich book that teaches web design skills and offers practical guidance within a coherent framework of information-design principles and hypertext theory. With a very clear yet trim writing style and over 150 illustrations, this book offers a broad range of discussion items. An emphasis on intellectually challenging questions call for review and synthesis, problem solving, and the focused examination of Websites. A set of 30 "Quick Start" design principles enables readers to begin working on a project. Explanation of copyright issues include public domain content, fair use, and related issues. Emphasis on usability testing and other forms of evaluation teach the importance of involving users in the design process and help plan and conduct basic usability tests. For those interested in multimedia and web design.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This textbook teaches Web design skills within a framework of information architecture, rhetoric, and hypertext theory. The book leads students through the design process and offers a great deal of practical, mainstream design guidance. But in contrast to many trade books, students learn a coherent set of principles that help them reason about each new design challenge they face. Many experienced Web designers will also find value in the systematic, conceptually rich discussion offered here.

Because this is a university-level textbook, Web design is presented in a broad cultural context that includes a brief history of the Internet and a chapter on the societal implications of the Web and the Internet. The book is clearly written and includes over 150 illustrations. Each chapter concludes with a broad range of intellectually stimulating discussion items. A set of 25 "quick start" design guidelines enable readers to begin using ideas from the book immediately.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Longman; 1 edition (October 22, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0205302912
• ISBN-13: 978-0205302918
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 6.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #902,905 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Indispensable Addition, April 8, 2002

By 

Hiroki Kato (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Principles of Web Design (Part of the Allyn & Bacon Series in Technical Communication) (Paperback)

This is an unusually intelligent yet practical book, clearly written and highly readable. No other book in this genre comes close to the ease and usefulness it offers. While the book does not dazzle the reader with many visually dramatic pages it packs an enormous amount of information in every chapter. Obviously the synergistic combination of the husband-and-wife teamfs respective backgrounds -- one an academic who pioneered technical writing for the high tech world and the other who created many types of print materials for Microsoft -- shines through the pages.

Whether you are a professional Web site designer or a novice interested in learning to produce a Web site simply for pleasure, this book makes a great addition to your library.

I predict that this will become, if it is not already, a standard textbook in its field. I give it an unequivocal 5 stars.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book on Web Design, December 28, 2001

By 

Roberta Shroyer "Roberta" (San Jose, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Principles of Web Design (Part of the Allyn & Bacon Series in Technical Communication) (Paperback)

Principles of Web Design explains the concepts and principles that underlie Web design and prepares you to discuss, build, critique, and improve websites. Unlike many trade books on Web design, this book is not light reading. It is, however, accessible and well organized. It is worthwhile for its intended university audience and for the working professionals who desire to expand and strengthen their skill sets. As an information architect and usability specialist, I find it a valuable addition to my professional library. Highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good material for the novice but dated, September 19, 2008

By 

JH (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Principles of Web Design (Part of the Allyn & Bacon Series in Technical Communication) (Paperback)

Unfortunately, books like this are quickly dated, as this one is.

It gives a good overview of how to produce a website, including project management, for novices. All nicely presented, but in black and white without much material on graphic design or more up-to-date ways to display and interact with data.

I hope the authors consider writing a new version.