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That said, no man has a lock on the truth, not even Jakob. So naturally there are many people who hold views that digress from those posed by Jakob. These are usually people who to varying degrees give Design and Style more importance than Jakob may.
Everyone is free to pick their point of variance from Jakob's views, and most people who have an opinion do.
That is a MAJOR factor, and it's why Jakob gets the big bucks that he does. To the small degree that I've done any testing, my results are definitely in his direction. We shouldn't misunderstand -- he isn't saying "make your sites look like useit.com." One look at his clients' sites can show us that.
I first began creating web pages in the mid-nineties. As my interest in tested results grew, my pages just got simpler and simpler.
To design a very elegant but very simple and usable page - that involves something like a "zen" simplicity. You might confuse such simplicity with a lack of skill, but it definitely is not that. Googe's incredibly simple and highly functional Home Page for instance -- that's not the result of someone with no skill.
I see it as more like the incredible passion that Carlos Santana can get out of playing one note on the guitar. If I play that one note, it just isn't the same - even if I have his gear.
Unless a site is promoting artistry itself, it's not likely that "high design" web pages will make a positive difference in measured conversions - or stickiness - or repeat visits. In fact, I've come to suspect that the "WOW" factor on a web page can often overwhelm the actual communication that was hoped for -- and thereby hurt the business purpose of the website.
Personally, I've always taken exception to the divisive "schools of thought" regarding "wow" and usability (accessibility too!). It does take a broader mindset though. And a bit of creativity. Form DOES follow function... and function CAN be stylish. It's all up to the developer.
"By writting less your user will remember more". Now thats a tip we could all take to heart.
I enjoy reading Nielsons articles, but I also enjoy reading books by other usability and HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) experts like Steve Krug, Don Norman and Alan Cooper. The more perspectives you get on a subject, a feel, the more you get to know that subject.
