Isn aesthetic appeal the real issue, especially on the Web?
Many designers see aesthetics and pragmatics as fundamentally at odds. Aesthetic appeal and the artistic quality of graphic design are important aspects of product design, but when aesthetics drive the design process, usability often suffers. In our experience, the secret of having your cake and eating it too when it comes to usability and aesthetics is to put graphic design and artistry in service of usability. Design for usability, then refine for aesthetic appeal. See also the newsletter item on aesthetics and usability.
