Crash course in ... ?

[dbeezzz]

What's the study of design called, with regards to the web ?

I mean a crash course in how people see different layouts and color combinations. I reckon that a site comes in two or three colors. A major, minor and flair color, and that the dead space is apportioned into white and gray.

Also, the white and gray dead space should be evened out across the screen. People scan rather than read the web, so your prose should be curt and highlighted. Paragraphs of different lenghts look more attractive than regularly shaped ones.

Words to avoid include amazing, revolutionary, brilliant etc...

What is the name for this kind of analysis and where can I find more of it ???

 

[LFI]

You might be thinking of "Usability," but I have a feeling that only touches on part of what you're describing.

Consider subscribing to Jakob Nielson's newsletter/site. Here's a sample post:

http://www.useit.com/alertbox/video.html.

To subscribe send blank email to join-alertbox@laser.sparklist.com.

I also like the Kathy Sierra's Head First blog:

http://headrush.typepad.com/creating_passionate_users

"A List Apart" also has a lot of what you're looking for:

http://www.alistapart.com/.

Dave


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O Time, Strength, Cash, and Patience!

 

[ChrisHunt]

What's the study of design called, with regards to the web ?

Errr.... Web Design?

-- Chris Hunt
Webmaster & Tragedian
Extra Connections Ltd