HTML, XHTML & CSS

In This Chapter
Chapter 3
Proper Planning Prevents
Poor Page Performance
▶ Planning your Web page
▶ Defining your Web site hierarchy
▶ Creating user-friendly navigation
▶ Hosting your site
▶ Uploading and editing your Web site
The overall design of a site defines its user interface (UI). When you design
a good UI, you provide tools to move through your site with minimum
fuss. This chapter outlines standard Web site design principles for (X)HTML
and CSS. These principles ensure a usable and effective UI.
The UI is the mechanism that gives users access to information on your site.
Each UI is unique but made from the same elements (text, graphics, and
media files) and held together with (X)HTML.
Visitors probably won’t return to your site if
✓ It’s hard to navigate.
✓ It’s cluttered with flashing text and clashing colors.
✓ It doesn’t help people find what they’re looking for.
You’ve created a solid UI if
✓ Your site’s navigation is intuitive.
✓ Images and media accent your design without overpowering it.
✓ You do all you can to help people find the information they want.
This chapter walks you through simple steps to design a Web site and your
basic Web page. (Other chapters explain every nuance of the markup.)