ogwyther

I know this is a severe dillema for a lot of site developers these days, do you go with functionality and valid coding or an attractive site? I do realise there are a few sites which manage to combine the two efficiently and effectively, but this is rare. What do you think is most effective?

In my opinion it's dependant on the type of site that you are developing. E.g. business sites should concentrate on functionality and a clean aesthetics. More arty sites (design, music related etc.) should be more pleasing for the eye in my opinion.

Super Mod

Great question. I think that functionality is more important than aesthetics, although, I strive to have both for my websites. I think the Web is starting to change from a time when aesthetics were the single most impotant thing to when functionality is becoming more important. You're definitely seeing a shift.

Robbie

I'd have to go with functionality. Having valid code ensures the page is properly rendered. Having jank coding with a good design is worthless if the coding messes the design up.

darren

Id have to go with functionality aswell.

This is just because I feel that what turns away most users is if they see error messages etc not the design, as long as its not too bad.

However there are exceptions to this for example myspace.

Max

Functionality. I don't care how good it looks; if it doesn't work, I'm not going to use it .

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anne

Functionality, always.

If a site looks pretty for the sake of it and is a pain to use, I'm out of there right away.

ogwyther

Interesting that everyone went with functionality. It seems that web trends are changing before my very eyes. Now i know i've been on the internet too long lol.

st@rsky

I'd always go for both where possible. I know that's easy to say but really if you should aim to make something that is both aesthetically pleasing and as efficient to use as possible.

My 2 cents..

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Anthony
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anne

Ogwyther are you saying that aesthetics used to be favoured over functionality? I've never really noticed that before - I've always personally went for functionality, and in the dial-up darkages I thought functionality was second only to page loading speed?

kris

My vote would also be for functionality. Aesthetics is important as well. However first and foremost I want the site to work well and be easy for visitors to use.