chapter 2: putting aside 'inspiration'

A lot of design tutorials tend to focus on the aspect of 'inspiration' - without much emphasis on the design process itself. For all the showy gradients and web 2.0 gloss, truly good design comes from an altogether different approach.

Emulating a design you like is perfectly acceptable, but you can't create a great design by solely cannibalising other sites - a modicum of the design process is needed. Here's how to get started on the road to design nirvana.

1. planning
2. simplicity
3. typography
4. usability
5. refinement
6. practise

*good design takes time