Web Design Advice - Questions to WebDesign Gurus/Mentors

Question

I am a junior web designer who has fair amount of knowledge in photoshop, HTML, CSS.

I want to move to the next level of designing websites that work cross browser + look cool. Here's what I need some help on.

Can you experienced gurus out there recommend me good books/advice that will help me fine tune my designer skills and help me create COOL websites the 'right way'.

My ultimate aim is to be able to create cool templates using HTML, CSS, Photoshop and jQuery and then teach people how to create them for free.

Please feel free to give your 2 cents. Every cent counts!

Answer 1

You might want to look into using some CSS frameworks like:

• 960 Grid System
• Blueprint
• JQuery UI CSS

Answer 2

Making cool sites is good an all, but to get to the next level you first need to make sure you can build usable sites. Once you are able to keep things to the bare necessities and provide the user with an enjoyable experience, you'll be able to add bling and pizazz in appropriate doses.

Some paths:

• Dont Make Me Think
• Learn more about form design
• Participate in local groups like the WSG
• Learn about information architecture (read the polar bear book if you want to)
• Find out more about accessibility
• When you find yourself frustrated with a website take care to find out why
• Subscribe to some blogs like Jakob Neilsen's Alertbox, Alistapart and ... (there are a bazillion more out there, but I need to go to bed)

Update

On the other hand, I just was pointed to this presentation regarding form & function: Eye Candy IS A Critical Business Requirement.