Above the Fold

You'll Love This Book If:

• You're a beginner web designer
• You have informal training in web design
• You want a comprehensive overview of the web design process

This is a different kind of web design book. Above the Fold is not about timely design or technology trends; instead, this book is about the timeless fundamentals of effective communication within the context of Web design. It is intended to help you, the reader, understand the considerations that Web designers make when developing successful Web sites.

Above the Fold is divided into three sections: Design & Typography, Planning & Usability, and Business Value. Each section represents a phase in the continuous cycle of Web design. It's the balance among design, usability, and return on investment that makes a Web site truly great.

In Above the Fold You'll Learn:

• What makes Web design unique
• The history of Web design
• Anatomy of a Web page
• White space and grid use in Web design
• The elements of Web design: color, texture, imagery, scale, depth, animation, and variability
• Web typography, including Web-safe type, images of type, and font replacement and embedding
• Information architecture, including site maps, wireframes, and user flow diagrams
• Search engine optimization
• Web statistics and analysis
• And so much more!

About the Author

Brian Miller is an award-winning designer and lecturer who specializes in branding for the Web and print. Brian's experience spans from being art director at Wunderman Interactive and Digitas, to principal design director of the Brian Miller Design Group. His client experience includes GE, NBC Universal, Delta Airlines, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, BMW, A&E Television, and Unilever.

What People Are Saying

"Alas, I wish this book had existed when I began designing for the Web. It's some consolation to know that Above the Fold will become an essential part of Web design curricula for years to come. It's a must-read / must-have book for anyone studying Web design."—Charles Nix, Professor, Parsons School of Design

What HOW Magazine's Senior Art Director, Bridgid McCarren, has to say:
This is a great overall view of fundamental web design principles that are very helpful in learning how best to communicate with your audience.