Chapter 4. Differences over design
In this chapter
- Focusing on your target audience
- Testing your design
- Avoiding design by committee
- Maintaining a broad overview
- Understanding the changing role of the home page
- Rushing into home-page design
- Demonstrating the importance of simplicity
Why does the iPod dominate the MP3 player market? The technology is nothing special, and iPods have fewer features than many of their competitors. What makes them stand out is the user experience. The physical design of the hardware is sleek, simple, and attractive. The user interface on the device is intuitive and clean. Apple understands the power of design.
When it comes to the web, design is no less important. Nothing is more frustrating than a badly designed site.
Good design can be equally powerful. A well-designed interface guides you to the content you need, encourages a positive feeling towards a brand, and seduces you into completing calls to action.
Get the user experience wrong, and the project may fail, no matter how good the content or functionality. No wonder design is one of the most contentious and stressful parts of the development process.