This book introduces Web design to beginners in a simple and practical, but still exhaustive and extensive way. It is complemented by a CD, which includes some exercises, as well as trial versions of some of the most used authorware (such as Macromedia Fireworks and Adobe Photoshop). A Web site with additional links and updates also supports the book.

Part 1 provides an introduction to design. It addresses some practical questions, including what a browser is, what the most relevant Web features are, how to upload a Web site, and how to register a domain. In addition, it provides information on what one needs to produce a site, a short overview of the most used markup languages, and another short overview of the authorware available on the market. The text presents Web design as a decision making activity that includes several steps.

Part 2 is a comprehensive guide to Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), from formatting text and specifying colors to building frames and using cascading style sheets (CSS). Part 3 explains how to create graphics. Part 4 presents a higher-level view of design, introducing the concepts of information design and architecture, the problem of identifying the user, the issue of building usable sites, and a reasoned list of what to do and what not to do. It ends with an overview of advanced techniques, including Dynamic HTML (DHTML) and Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML).

The inclusion of exercises in every chapter and on the accompanying CD makes this book particularly well suited for beginners, while links on the Web site will also be of interest to advanced Web designers and practitioners.