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Until an Internet connection works as fast as a tv for everyone, Web design decisions will be influenced by the speed it takes to load an image. by Andy Attiliis

That's the key aspect of this media that designers must remember when planning the look of a new Web site. Also in the mix should be some anticipatory sense of where Web technology is heading in the near future.
         If a sound design foundation is laid now, it will be possible to add on and upgrade the original site without having to rebuild it entirely later. For example, white space in the right place today will allow room for larger images tomorrow. And, that might be the extent of what's needed in a future design rennovation. Such replacement images will also be of a much better quality because faster connections can afford higher resolutions.
         Then, there is the issue of navigation. How it works and is presented can heavily impact the readership of an entire Web site as well as its individual pages. Experienced designers will incorporate the kinds of link and index solutions that work best relevant to the unique parameters of each new Web site. They know that cyber information is not as immediately accessible as that of a book or magazine. That neglecting to provide comprehensive navigational opportunities on every page will obviously slow progress on any Web site. At the same time, however, if linked icons are too strong in appearance, they can seriously distract from the main content. Nobody said it was going to be easy.

Andy Attiliis has served as art director for three advertising agencies. Since becoming an independent professional in 1981, he has been hired by nearly every type of business organization. With focused concentration on improving the continuity of a message’s concept and quality, he has often performed multiple creative functions on a single project. His additional experience as a creative director, designer, illustrator and writer have made him an extremely efficient single source art director/creative provider. The kinds of communications for which he has provided art direction range from ads to newsletters, brandings to Web sites.

Copyright 2001 Andy Attiliis. All rights reserved.