Lecture 1: Introduction to Web Design

What is Web Design?

The process of planning, conceptualizing, and arranging content intended for the Internet. Goes beyond aesthetics—it includes how websites work and how users interact with them.

Website vs. Webpage

• Webpage: A single document/viewable page (HTML file).
• Website: A collection of related webpages under a single domain.

Key Disciplines in Web Design

1. Graphic Design – Visual appeal (colors, layout, typography).
2. User Interface (UI) Design – How users interact with the website.
3. User Experience (UX) Design – Overall experience and ease of use.
4. Front-end Development – Uses HTML, CSS, JS to build the client-side.
5. Back-end Development – Server-side logic (databases, servers).

Principles of Good Web Design

• Simplicity – Clean layout, minimal distractions.
• Consistency – Same styles and patterns throughout.
• Navigation – Easy and intuitive.
• Responsiveness – Works on all screen sizes.
• Accessibility – Usable by everyone, including those with disabilities.

Types of Websites

• Static Website – Fixed content, built with HTML and CSS.
• Dynamic Website – Interactive, content changes (e.g., blogs, forums).
• Responsive Website – Adapts to screen sizes (mobile-friendly).
• Single Page Applications (SPA) – Loads a single HTML page dynamically.

Web Design vs. Web Development