The Importance of Web Site Design

I like a nice looking web site, and I especially like well designed web applications. The feedback I get from clients is that my applications are very easy to use. Many people say they look nice.

Having said that, I find that making things look nice is a lot of work. Some aspects of CSS, HTML and JavaScript are fussy. The simplest things can take more time than you would imagine. Especially for me – my strengths are in working with the database, and in designing and writing the backend components.

I often judge companies by their web sites. If a site is not graphically pleasing, or if it is not easy to use, I am likely to be less interested the product’s and services that are offered on the site. However, I am quickly realizing that some people do well by providing usability alone.

Here is an example: the Hwaki site. If there ever was a web page that promised nothing in an age of glitter and glitz, this is the page. Right? It might surprise you to know that this company develops, supports and maintains a product which may be the most widely deployed SQL database in the world.

It would be interesting to find other examples of successful companies that have plain, or even ugly, web sites. It would help us better understand success.