How to design your Web site

Great content design is never noticed. At its best, it's a stealthy conduit that unobtrusively connects a user with words, sounds and pictures. Creating these kinds of designs requires attention, but contrary to what you might think it doesn't require an advanced design degree or artistic ability. Everyone can do it because everyone already has a sense of what works.

Chances are you've designed something in your life -- a newsletter, a newspaper page, maybe even a term paper. These creations probably didn't win any awards, but they served their purpose: They delivered your content. Your Web page will do the same thing and your design will make it happen.

Let's get started with a look at the Web's unique design challenges.