Beginning HTML, XHTML, CSS, and JavaScript®

Chapter 10. Design Issues

This chapter looks at design issues that affect specific aspects of your pages — typography, navigation, tables, and forms. Each is addressed in its own section, and each section contains helpful tips that will make your pages more attractive and easier to use.

First up is typography; you will see how carefully composing your text on the page makes it easier for people to read the words you have written and improves the clarity of your message.

Next, you look at the three main forms of navigation: menus, search, and links within pages. As you will see, a menu does not just offer a means for users to navigate your site; it also plays an important role in helping visitors understand what a site is about and how the information is organized.

If you have to add tabular data to your site, this section contains helpful guidelines to make your tables easier to read.

Finally, you will look at forms. I have yet to meet someone who enjoys filling out forms (particularly on the Web), so these techniques will increase the chances of your forms being completed (and completed with the right information).

While this chapter can't teach you how to be a great web page designer — that requires creativity, a good eye, and flair — it will show you some concepts that help create good designs and introduce you to some guidelines that will help you improve both the look and usability of your site.

Throughout this chapter I mention programs called screen readers. Screen readers are ...