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Principles of good web design
In order to create a web site, the best place to start is with a pen and some paper - to sketch the site design.
Once the site design has been sketched, translate it into a graphic design package, such as Adobe Photoshop or Macromedia Fireworks.
In the graphics package, create a new file that is 780*430 pixels. Create the design within the new file - colours should already have been chosen (to get some ideas on how to choose colour, view our article "choosing colour for site design").
Decide where you are going to locate the navigation menu. Fill the navigation menu with navigation items (ie home, about, contact, etc).
Try to "line elements up" - this make the content easier to read and will stop elements look like they are foating unanchored. Ensure all elements line up to the left of the screen (unless centreing all elements).
Use the grid function in the graphics software to "mark out" where to slice up the whole design into separate graphics, when optimising and creating slices for use in the site design.
Play around with the colour and design until the correct balance has been set. Produce several copies of the design (including different colours and different design elements) to see which version is the most preferred.
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