In the past I often started a new web design from the background or from the header. And that was a mistake - in this short article I’ll explain why.

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The problem:

For the last few years we’ve heard a lot about how content is the most important part of the page and not the design by itself. It’s a basic principle and it’s true, because users don’t come to your website for the graphics - they come for the information it has.

The webdesign process by itself makes no difference. If you focus on graphics, instead of content and usability, you’ll feel lost. For example, if you start designing the header first, you set a certain style that should be followed by the overall design. The next step in this disaster is that you try to match the content to the design. And this is where the hell begins.

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The solution:

When I say “don’t design the header first”, it doesn’t mean you should start with the wrapping div.

First, answer the simple question: what is the website’s main purpose. If it’s a portfolio, design the Portfolio page first; if it’s mainly a news blog - start with the News page. If you still can’t answer this question, or - at least - not with a single response, try to take into account two of the most important pages. In most cases, they’ll contain many of the websites elements and you’ll have a more detailed idea on the website style. In conclusion, the solution to the problem is not always to design the Home page.

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A reminder:

The above tips are valid after careful usability planning.