I often find myself wondering which is better for web-design and usability? Minimalist layouts or cool graphics? I do like both. I find both aesthetically pleasing. However, when it comes down to it, which really is better for the user?

I am generally a proponent of “form follows function”, so if the design element does not make sense in the user experience, then it should be thrown away. But then I wonder if I am too into the world of HCI to even create creative web design? Is this a problem that other designers face? Which is better, the function or the form?

This reminds me of typography theory. Is type allowed to be cut up and mashed around to become illegible? Or is the only purpose of type to be able to convey the message in words, and thus must be presented in its form?

cabedge.com

There is something beautiful about this minimalist design in its practicality. There’s a message, and navigation. Practically nothing else exists. This is the total user-experience. They will be able to find the links with great ease, and the cross-browser-compability of this design is perfect. Also, SEO is best at this stage since search spiders can read through these links.

Now on the other side of the spectrum is the grungy, more “realistic” designs from the Web 2.0 crowd:

web 2.0 grunge example

Awesome graphics. Cool feel. The vintage, ripped look is very trendy. But when you look at this from a usability and SEO standpoint, it falls short. I wonder if they have Google Analtyics installed to even track their site to see if they are getting hits? The links are images – without alt text. If the images didn’t load, the user would not understand that they were missing part of the layout. The layout isn’t CSS breathable – which doesn’t bother me too much, as its not trying to reach a huge demographic. However, and this is the biggest thing, is that no text copy exists on the home page. How the hell are people going to be able to search for this site unless they specially type “painisgood hot sauces”? This is what I feel a lot of web 2.0 designers forget…that the site is a practical tool for businesses – and it should have all the practical applications in its structure.

Can there be a synthesis of the two? Can you have a fully optimized, easy-to-navigate, and cross-browser compatibile grungy design? What do you readers think? Are there good examples?

I am under the impression that there is a time and place for each style of design, and it all depends on the client. But perhaps this is just me wandering around as a style-less designer?