Elements of web design

Question

What are some core elements of great web design?

Things like speed, layout, etc... Can we determine a something from the community for what we have all tried and works?

I didn't downvote but this question sounds incredibly vague to me...
Well there's lists all over the place of elements of web design, regular design, what abstractions make things "good". everybodygoto.com/2007/04/12/10-elements-of-web-design-today Of course there is the element of expairmentation leading to new things, but I'm asking about previously attempted things that have worked. For example, what may make a good UI is following fitt's law, high-contrast colours, etc...

RandomBen · Accepted Answer · 2010-08-25 19:21:02Z

up vote 2 down vote accepted

I think your best bet is reading the books on Jeff Atwood's reading list that deal with web design.

Beyond that to me it is all about:

answered edited Aug 25 '10 at 19:21

community wiki

John Conde · Answer 2 · 2010-08-25 19:27:34Z

Valid markup - so you know it works in all browser past, present, and future (bugs excluded of course)
Lean code - less code means faster page loading and usually faster rendering
Usability - it may look pretty but if I can't figure out how it works I'm leaving
Accessibility - disabled people use the web, too
Flexible - it works on screens and devices large and small
No unnecessary content or gimmicks

2 Answers