papabaer - 10:23 am on Jun 11, 2002 (gmt 0)

Great post Nick! Some very intersting material for us to consider. I totally agree with keeping the navigation scheme simple, though at times it is not always easy, especially if their are many sub-categories.

From a design standpoint I always find myself torn between two divergent philosopies: first, I want my sites to look unique... not like something off an assembly line. BUT! as you say, and rightfully so, If we vary too far from the norm, we lose useability AND site visitors who get lost trying to figure out our "unique" design scheme.

So after gathering all the important information, how do we create a site that meets the following criteria: #1 Effectively and immediately, communicates the purpose of the BUSINESS it features, #2 Invites exploration, #3 Incorporates features that will motivate to a desired goal.

The more I learn, the more I find myself falling back on basic priciples of presentation, i.e. headings, section text, text boxes and blockquotes. And of course, text links.

Clients may not always know what they want, but one thing they all need is a responsive site. Not one that just "sits there." I'm not talking about flying banners or flashing text, I'm referring to a site that invokes a positive reaction.

We have lots to talk about here.... Thanks again for the great post Nick!