Ten Common-Sense Rules for Web Designers: A Manifesto

Okay, so “manifesto” may be a bit hyperbolic. Anyway, here are ten lessons I’ve discovered the hard way.

  1. The canvas is your friend. In choosing horizontal placement, be considerate of it without being constrained. You do not know how large a viewer’s window will be and dictating its size is impolite. Vertical placement should understand what belongs “above the fold”.
  2. Make pages that honor recognizable emotional forms. Employ the Golden Proportion as your guide. Typography should be eye-friendly. Choose kerning and line-lengths deliberately.
  3. Color palettes should amplify rather than confuse the site’s message.
  4. Read All...