Will adherence to usability theory lead to the end of web design?
The World Wide Web (Web) is the place where computing and graphic
design meet head to head. A heated debate is presently raging between
reliance upon the functional versus the artistic elements of website
design. On one side are the graphic designers and artists who want to
investigate and use the available multimedia capabilities of Internet
technologies. On the other side are usability experts who want quick,
clear access to online information, trying to eliminate creativity and
multimedia from website design (Powers, 2003).
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Creative Imaging (University of
Huddersfield, May 2006) the dissertation below by Tim Doak, Creative
Designer at BeFantastic.com, investigates whether adherence to
usability theory will lead to the end of web design.
Dissertation Abstract
Since 1994 technological conditions brought about by the Internet have
transformed everyday life with increasing intensity and significance.
It is estimated that there are now close to 1 billion people worldwide
online.
There is currently a battle raging between usability experts on the
one hand and graphic designers on the other over what are the most
important criteria in creating ‘good’ websites? It is a fight between
usability and aesthetics.
Should all websites conform to a set of strict usability-derived
conventions, so that there is ‘one face’ presented to the web user, to
the extent that the role of the designer is made redundant? Or should
graphic designers be encouraged to explore the possibilities of the
Web through experimentation with the capabilities of multimedia
technologies?
This dissertation seeks to explore both sides of the argument and
whether indeed there is a middle ground between the two, as well as
considering factors such as the purpose for which websites are
designed for and the effect faster broadband connections speeds will
have upon the debate, posing the question, will adherence to usability
theory lead to the end of website design?
Download Dissertation
|
