Which Book would You Suggest?

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1

Want to improve my websites looks and functions.

Was looking at these two books:

Sexy Web Design

The Principles of Beautiful Web Design

Which one would you suggest? Or another one?

Thanks
Lambert

2

Hi Lambert, welcome to SitePoint!

I used to have a teacher, and whenever I asked “which one?” he would always say “both!”

You can download sample chapters of each book, which might give you a better idea of which would suit you.

Are you confident with HTML and CSS? If so (and even if not), one other option is to find one or more sites you really like and let them inspire you. You can even look under the hood to see how they are built (with tools like Firebug).

I’ve found studying sites like this to be the best way to learn about design. But reading the books first—and learning about code etc.—made this much easier.

3

Ralph,

I do know html and CSS. I just want to make my sites look more apealing to my customers and easy to use.

I can only afford one book right now.

Thanks for your welcome!

Lambert

4

Hmmm, not sure… Might check it out after this snow storm leaves.

Lambert

5

If you want something which will realistically help you make a better designed website (in terms of how it functions for the end user), don’t bother with the above ones (their very visual centric and not too functional) and go with a usability book. I recommend: Designing Web Usability (Jakob Nielsen) and if you could afford it… Don’t Make Me Think! (Steve Krug), it will do far more for improving how you design websites (for the money) than a book like the above mentioned on aesthetic design. :slight_smile:

6

in addition to buy a book i think you should explore the web as much you can. Read related blogs, sites, forums etc. This help a lot.
Good luck

7

Both books are good! But I think you should look at The Art & Science Of CSS: http://www.sitepoint.com/books/cssdesign1/

8

If it’s visual aesthetics you’re looking for help with then you could check out Design Meltdown for inspiration and trends. They do have a book out but the site itself is enough as a point of reference.

Maybe as a base on which to build your design skills you could look for books/tuts on colour theory.

I also second the Don’t Make Me Think! book. I have this and it’s a real eye opener.

9

As Ralph said, download free samples of the books you are interested in and pick up a copy of the one that you think will give you most benefit.

10

I have The principles of beautiful web design. I’ve read it and like it. It didn’t completely change my whole perspective on design but it did provide a basic understanding and definitely taught me some good stuff.

11

Thanks for all your help.
BTW I already have The Art & Science Of CSS

Lambert