Hello,
Currently, I'm working on creating my own website (blog). The layout and programming aspects seem fine, but I lack skills in design. I aim to create a website with a minimalist flat design. With that said, I would like to seek advice from professionals regarding available courses or books on web design and usability.
Ideally, I'm looking for free courses since I don't have the means to pay for them at the moment. Are you familiar with any books similar to the Head First series by O'Reilly? I'm aiming for materials that are not only informative but also enjoyable to read.
For free web design courses, websites like Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy offer a range of options. You can search for courses specifically focused on web design and usability. Additionally, websites like Codecademy and FreeCodeCamp provide interactive tutorials and exercises to help you learn web design.
As for books similar to the Head First series, which are known for their informative and enjoyable approach to learning, you may want to try "Don't Make Me Think" by Steve Krug. Although it's not available for free, it's highly regarded for its insights into web usability. Another book worth considering is "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman, which explores design principles applicable to various fields, including web design.
Here are a few more suggestions for free web design resources:
1. Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) - MDN is an excellent resource for web development and design, providing tutorials, guides, and dоcumentation on various topics, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
2. W3Schools - W3Schools offers comprehensive tutorials on web development, covering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more. It's a great starting point for beginners.
3. A List Apart - A List Apart is a popular online magazine focused on web design and development. It features articles from industry professionals and covers a wide range of topics related to design, usability, and best practices.
4. Smashing Magazine - Smashing Magazine is another fantastic resource that offers articles, tutorials, and case studies on web design and development. It provides insights into the latest design trends and techniques.
5. YouTube tutorials - YouTube hosts many free web design tutorials from experienced designers. Channels like Traversy Media, The Net Ninja, and DesignCourse offer a range of tutorials that cover web design principles, tools, and techniques.
more resources to explore:
1. Google Web Fundamentals - This website offers comprehensive dоcumentation and guides on modern web technologies and best practices. It covers topics like responsive design, performance optimization, accessibility, and more.
2. UX Design Collective's Free Academy - UX Design Collective provides free courses on user experience design, which can be valuable for understanding usability principles and applying them to your website.
3. Adobe XD - Adobe XD is a powerful design and prototyping tool, and Adobe offers free tutorials and resources to help you learn how to use it effectively for web design.
4. Canva Design School - Canva Design School provides free tutorials and resources on graphic design and visual communication. While not specific to web design, it can enhance your overall design skills and aesthetic sense.
5. FreeCodeCamp - Apart from coding tutorials, FreeCodeCamp also has a section dedicated to learning responsive web design. It covers HTML, CSS, and responsive design concepts through hands-on projects.
few more resources to explore:
1. Design Shack - Design Shack is a website that offers articles, tutorials, and inspiration on various aspects of web design, including minimalist and flat design. It provides insights into design principles, color palettes, typography, and more.
2. Codrops - Codrops is a web design and development blog that showcases innovative techniques and trends. It offers tutorials, demos, and free resources to help you learn and implement cutting-edge design concepts.
3. Nielsen Norman Group - The Nielsen Norman Group is a renowned user experience research and consulting firm. While their research reports and training courses are not free, their articles and "Alertbox" newsletter provide valuable insights into usability and user-centered design.
4. Medium - Medium is a platform where professionals share their expertise and insights. You can find a variety of articles on web design, UX, and usability by following relevant publications and designers.
5. GitHub - GitHub is a code hosting platform that also features a wealth of open-source projects. Explore repositories related to web design, frontend development, and CSS frameworks, where you can learn from real-world examples and contribute to collaborative projects.
1) Alan Cooper wrote two books, namely "Mental hospital controlled by patients" and "About Face." These books discuss the involvement of users in the design process, highlighting the importance of considering user perspectives and needs. They provide valuable insights into creating user-centric products and services.
In terms of my thoughts on this topic, I believe that giving users a voice in the design process can lead to more successful and innovative solutions. By understanding their requirements and preferences, we can create products that are intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable to use.
2) Robin Williams wrote a book called "The Non-Designer's Design Book." Additionally, he has authored several other books with similar titles, which are worth exploring. These books provide practical advice and tips for those who are new to graphic design or want to improve their design skills. They cover topics such as typography, color theory, layout, and more.
From my perspective, design is an essential aspect of many industries today. Whether it's creating visually appealing websites, developing user-friendly software, or crafting beautiful product packaging, good design can greatly enhance the overall user experience and contribute to the success of a product or service.
3) "Don't make me think" by Krug is a notable book in the field of web usability. As the title suggests, it emphasizes the importance of designing websites that are intuitive and require minimal effort from users to understand and navigate. This book provides practical guidelines for creating user-friendly interfaces and highlights the value of simplicity in design.
"Don't make me think" by Steve Krug - A book that emphasizes the importance of usability and simplicity in design, encouraging designers to create intuitive and effortless user experiences.
"UX design. A Practical Guide to Designing an Interaction Experience" by Russ Unger and Caroline Chandler - This book offers practical insights and techniques for designing user-centric experiences, focusing on the field of UX design.
"Mobile first!" by Luke Wroblewski - Luke Wroblewski's book advocates for designing digital experiences with a mobile-first approach, recognizing the increasing dominance of mobile devices in today's society.
"Mental Hospital in the hands of patients" by Alan Cooper - Alan Cooper's thought-provoking book challenges traditional mental health care systems, proposing a patient-centered approach that empowers individuals in their own recovery journey.
"Responsive Web Design" by Ethan Marcotte - This book explores the concept of responsive web design, which aims to create websites that adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes and devices, providing an optimal viewing experience for users.
"The design of familiar things" by Donald A. Norman - Donald A. Norman's book delves into the psychology behind everyday objects and their design, shedding light on how humans interact with and perceive the world around them.
"Smart design. Simple techniques for developing user interfaces" by Jeff Johnson - Jeff Johnson's book provides practical tips and techniques for designing user interfaces that are both smart and simple, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable user experience.
"UX strategy. What users want and how to give it to them" by Jamie Levy - Jamie Levy's book focuses on understanding user needs and wants, and provides strategies for delivering exceptional user experiences through effective UX design.
These books cover a wide range of topics in design, from usability to mobile-first design, from mental health care to responsive web design, and from familiar objects to user interface development. Each offering valuable insights and approaches for designers to consider in their work.