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Visual Design and Web Site Creation
An interview with visual design expert, Lynda Weinman

Please briefly tell us a little bit about yourself.

I've been involved with computer graphics since 1982, and I started to teach animation, multimedia and digital imaging in 1989. When I first saw the Web (1993) I thought it would be a place that designers would play a huge role. As I sought to figure it out on my own, I realized there was a need for a book that dealt with design and graphics issues. Well, it's six books later now...

How can the use of images improve the usability of a Web site?

Well, the text-based Internet was never very popular among the masses. I would say images and media play a huge role in the success of the Web today.

How can the use of colors influence the usability of a Web site?

Immensely. A color scheme can enhance communication or detract from it. Our classes and books stress the idea of using color as a communication device. I write a lot about the impact of color, as well as the technical constraints of color on the Web.

How is developing for the Web different than developing for other media?

Downloading issues play a huge role in graphics strategy. No one cares how big an image is in print, video, or film. The file size doesn't have an experiential impact on the end-viewer. The Web has many distinct constraints because of its delivery over tiny phone lines, platform differences and browser differences.

What are the most common mistakes that Web developers make? And, what is the most common design challenge faced by Web site developers?

Biggest mistakes include making images take to long to download, images and pages too big to be seen easily on the screen, developers not putting themselves in the role of their visitors. In other words, you might want to sell something, but your end-user wants to buy something. Those two pursuits are quite different. I believe in user-centered design, not developer-centered design. You have to leave your ego at the door and make something that works for people. Standing back and taking in the big picture - what am I trying to say? To who? What will their needs be? How can I meet them? That sort of thing.

How should Web site developers deal with browser incompatibilities? Similarly, how can developers be sure they "have it right" on different browsers?

Test everything. Some programs, like Dreamweaver and CyberStudio have target browser checking. It's always best to try it on everything - different platforms, different browsers. You might do something that looks really cool on one platform or browser, but totally falls apart on another. Then it's your choice; fix it or nix it.

What concerns do you have about accessibility for disabled or handicapped users?

I think some sites should have a high concern and others should have a low concern. For example, I don't thing there are many sight-impaired Web designers. My site is geared for Web designers so I don't give a lot thought to pages being read on "readers" and that sort of thing. If I were a government site disbursing information for the public however, this would/should be a huge concern. Simple things that people can do is add alt elements and make sure critical text is in HTML instead of inside images or plug-in based content (like Flash content.)

What are the best tools available for creating effective Web graphics? Similarly, what are the best developer resource Web sites?

My favorite tools:

PhotoShop
ImageReady
Fireworks
Dreamweaver 2.0

Sites I visit a lot:

Last words? Final comments? Big complaints? Good news?

Sure! I'm very excited to be doing some new things. I opened a hands-on Web design training center in Ojai, California. We've had hundreds of students come through our doors so far - it's been wonderful. I also started a training video division of lynda.com. We have a tape available now in Fireworks, and have one in the works on Dreamweaver 2.0. I have some great new books in the works too - but it's premature to talk. http://www.lynda.com is the place to watch for more news.

Lynda, thank you for your time and effort. You have given us many things to think about.

Here are a couple of Lynda's books. In my experience, her books are excellent resources. See for yourself!

Designing Web Graphics 2 (1997, very popular book)
Designing Web Graphics.3 (coming in March 1999)

This interview was conducted via email by John S. Rhodes
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