Matthew Helmke (dot) Net

Random things that interest me.

Sexy Web Design

April17

People following this blog know that I have been doing a lot of research lately to brush up my web site creation and management skills. I’ve been reading about content management systems, JavaScript, systems administration topics and the like. With most of these are things I am well past the novice stage. My biggest weakness in the process is not technical, but design related.

I am not a graphic designer. I am not a web designer. I know I have a lot to learn. That is why I started looking for help. I’ve been reading sites like Smashing Magazine (where I acquired the free design I am currently using on this site) and SitePoint. At some point I ran across a blog by a designer named Elliot Jay Stocks and was floored by how attractive and unique his site is and was wowed by his portfolio.

Last month, I noted on SitePoint that Stocks had written a book called Sexy Web Design to be published immediately. I knew I wanted a copy.

Now that I have read the book, I can honestly say that I am glad to have done so. Perhaps a person with design experience, especially design for the web, might find much of the book basic, I learned a lot. While there is no doubt I have a long way to go, I feel like I have a better sense of where the path is and in what direction I wish to head.

The book is comprised of six easy to read chapters. There are a large number of interesting and beautiful illustrations to enable us to clearly see and understand the design concepts he discusses including interfaces, structure, navigation, and interaction.

This is not a book about code. There are no detailed instructions for making the design happen, although there are some hints and tips for people to keep in mind to make that step easier. This is a book about how to envision and build the look and feel of a site. It is not about the technology, it’s about the appearance and whether it draws you in and is effective in conveying the message and data you want your visitors to receive.

I found the discussions of the design process, planning, research, sketches, layout, and more to be incredibly useful and interesting. I would imagine that people with a design background would find them basic, but again, I’m a complete novice in this area. If you are like me, the book is certainly worth a look.

posted under Book/Magazine Reviews, General, Ubuntu Planet
2 Comments to

“Sexy Web Design”

  1. Avatar April 18th, 2009 at 7:13 am Michael "Sucky" Howell Says:

    One other resource you want to look at: http://www.webpagesthatsuck.com/. It’s a good resource to make sure that your styles do not detract from the overall quality of your site. Most importantly, look at http://www.webpagesthatsuck.com/does-my-web-site-suck/does-my-web-site-suck-checklist-part-one.html.

    p.s. I do NOT mean to say that your page sucks by any means!
  2. Avatar April 18th, 2009 at 10:44 am matthew Says:

    Thank you! That looks like a great resource.

I am a husband, father, reader, writer, researcher, occasional website designer and administrator, and all-around geek. I am also a musician who plays the guitar and the bass; I play in a local band and have played as a studio musician for other artists. I am an avid and voracious reader, speak several languages, have worked as an information consultant on topics including culture, language, religion and computers, and spent several years running a small business in North Africa.

This is where I write about stuff that a friend or acquaintance might find interesting; kind of like a Twitter feed, but with more than 140 characters per post. I also like to review books that publishers send me, and occasionally some that I buy; let me know if you have any suggestions.

You can email me at matthew AT matthewhelmke DOT com with any comments or questions.

You can also find me on Facebook, and occasionally hanging out on Google+ and Twitter. You will even find me on LinkedIn and on Amazon.com.