Above the Fold: Understanding the Principles of Successful Web Site Design

by Brian D. Miller

This is a different kind of web design book. Above the Fold is not about timely design or technology trends; instead, this book is about the timeless fundamentals of effective communication within the context of web design. It is intended to help you, the reader, understand the considerations that web designers make when developing successful websites.

Above the Fold is divided into three Each section represents a phase in the continuous cycle of web design. It's the balance among design, usability, and return on investment that makes a website truly great.

Topics covered in Above the Fold

Genres: Design, Website Design, Nonfiction, Web, Reference, Art Design, Programming

436 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2011

Reviews

[Nancy Schober · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even if this wasn't jamb packed with content...I'd still want a copy because it's so beautiful

[Brianna Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is semi-outdated now, as the concept of being "above the fold" hardly applies to web design anymore.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*

[Clara Thames · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Mark Mathes · Rating 4 out of 5]

"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.

[Az Vera · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[PD Storage · Rating 5 out of 5]

شركة تصميم مواقع
شركة تصميم مواقع الكترونية
تصميم مواقع الكترونية
شركة تصميم مواقع ويب

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Nick Burrows · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Conner · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[David Gabrić · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Lucas Dechow · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jim Nielsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

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).

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[B]

Skimmed.

[Nick Escobar · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Stef · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Michael J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great sites. Solid refresher.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for web designers, project managers and experienced programmers.

[Dario Ferrando · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way too old school, still a nice read on the 90's webdesign ;)

[Jarrett Franklin · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[George Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another blocking and tackling book for web design