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Above the Fold, Revised Edition
Above the Fold is a book about the fundamentals of clear graphic communication within the context of Web design. The book has three sections, which follow the cycle of a typical Web project:
PLAN
Section I focuses on the predesign phase of a Web project. From project planning and brief writing to information architecture and responsive grid creation. DESIGN
The second section of Above the Fold explores the enduring principles of design and the nuances that are specific to the field of Web design. OPTIMIZE
Finally, we close the loop and discover ways to enable your client to maximize the investment they've made in their Web site with marketing and analytics.
PLAN
Section I focuses on the predesign phase of a Web project. From project planning and brief writing to information architecture and responsive grid creation. DESIGN
The second section of Above the Fold explores the enduring principles of design and the nuances that are specific to the field of Web design. OPTIMIZE
Finally, we close the loop and discover ways to enable your client to maximize the investment they've made in their Web site with marketing and analytics.
272 pages, ebook
First published February 1, 2011
52 people are currently reading
473 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 10, 2014
Even if this wasn't jamb packed with content...I'd still want a copy because it's so beautiful
April 24, 2016
This book is semi-outdated now, as the concept of being "above the fold" hardly applies to web design anymore. Also, I didn't feel like I learned much from it. Most of the information is basic and not very deep. But, there are nice pictures, which makes it easier to read. *shrugs*
January 26, 2022
This was required reading for a web design class I took in 2010 or 2011. I decided to reread it. But this time read the revised addition.
I really enjoyed this book. I will probably revisit it in the future to create some UI exercises for myself.
I really enjoyed this book. I will probably revisit it in the future to create some UI exercises for myself.
October 6, 2019
"Above the Fold" is the common newsroom reference for the optimal top half of the newspaper front page display. In the digital world, that display is just as important for news readers on all their devices and screens. Author Brian Miller reminds us in the front of the book, page 5: "The phrase reminds us there are both close similarities and vast differences between designing for print and designing for the web." This is a beautiful primer, reference and idea generator for professionals and students. The three sections are clever: Plan, Design, Optimize.
This one is close by on my reference shelf.
This one is close by on my reference shelf.
April 27, 2020
An excellent book on the principles of successful web design as divorced from popular trends. It goes through basics such as colour, contrast, layouts, grids, and images, all while trying to avoid discussing what styles are popular now but what styles have influenced present (at the time) design and how things change with the changing technology landscape.
Although the book was printed in 2011, it's designed to be still relevant and impactful for people looking for a strong overview on the foundations of web design.
Although the book was printed in 2011, it's designed to be still relevant and impactful for people looking for a strong overview on the foundations of web design.
November 12, 2023
I was a bit disappointed by this book. I was expecting them to show us specific areas of design that could be improved to make a website better. Instead, the book was more a tutorial for print based designers who are migrating to web platforms.
January 2, 2020
Note: I think I actually read the first edition not the revised edition. I checked out the ebook from my library to read for a reading challenge.
The information in the book was pretty good. I’d give it a B for accessibility - an average reader with no web design experience would follow it’s key ideas but may not understand all of it. I have read better books on this subject, but for someone new to web design or who wants to be able to better interact with their company’s web designer(s), it is a short read and would be adequate.
I give it three stars because of my final impression. There literally is no conclusion. The final sentence of the book is about exit page listings in Google Analytics. It seems like a huge editorial oversight to not offer final thoughts or a summary of the book’s key takeaways.
The information in the book was pretty good. I’d give it a B for accessibility - an average reader with no web design experience would follow it’s key ideas but may not understand all of it. I have read better books on this subject, but for someone new to web design or who wants to be able to better interact with their company’s web designer(s), it is a short read and would be adequate.
I give it three stars because of my final impression. There literally is no conclusion. The final sentence of the book is about exit page listings in Google Analytics. It seems like a huge editorial oversight to not offer final thoughts or a summary of the book’s key takeaways.
April 9, 2012
This is one of the better books I've read on the topic of Web Design. Don't jump to buy it if you're just starting out, because it won't teach you very much. This (gorgeous) book covers basic concepts of web design and typography and is best used as inspiration. I used it as a companion book to HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites by Jon Duckett. Both books are stunning and one covers concepts while the other teaches basics of the actual languages in an easy-to-understand way.
July 13, 2020
A very handy book for revising the knowledge, or getting the base concepts of different phases of Web design & development. Clear in structure, it is a bit dated book when it comes to case studies - definitely don't go into this book expecting to learn about Web trends. Rather, go into this book with expectations of grasping the base concepts, a sort of reminder per se. In that aspect, the book really excells, as it is relevant even nine years after its release.
August 22, 2012
This book both gives a great introduction as well as explaining the best foundations for building a website.
Though i remember it as a no introduction to coding HTML and CSS (hint: how you code it is a matter of taste), it gives though understanding to the building blocks that is good webdesign.
Though i remember it as a no introduction to coding HTML and CSS (hint: how you code it is a matter of taste), it gives though understanding to the building blocks that is good webdesign.
October 23, 2013
It's a well written book, just more for entry level practitioners. If you've been doing web design for a whole, there's not really anything new here. Otherwise, it would be a good entry level book to the field (at least it was when it was written/when I read it).
December 6, 2015
Great introduction to designing for the Web if you know nothing about the subject. Takes a look across many topics and areas generally, such as fonts, marketing, SEO, etc. However I did not learn much from the book because I had been working in Web content management for some time.
not-read
August 12, 2011Skimmed.
May 21, 2012
A really great introduction to the elements and aspects of web design. There are more than a few good tips in this book as well as a myriad of great examples.
March 13, 2012
Probably one of the best books I have read to-date about the ever evolving world of web design. If you're in the industry, this deserves a place on your bookshelf.
April 17, 2012
Really well put together- not a book jam filled with information but it does offer you a great snapshots of several designs out there right now- great to skim through for inspiration.
October 27, 2015
Great sites. Solid refresher.
December 13, 2012
Excellent book for web designers, project managers and experienced programmers.
July 18, 2014
Way too old school, still a nice read on the 90's webdesign ;)
January 2, 2015
Decent read but weak content
the content was lacking and there seemed to be more that could be brought up. otherwise it was a fine read for the absolute beginner.
the content was lacking and there seemed to be more that could be brought up. otherwise it was a fine read for the absolute beginner.
January 5, 2015
Some useful ideas but most of the items in the book were no brainers to an designers. I was hoping for more designer questions answered.
June 23, 2018
Another blocking and tackling book for web design
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews