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Clifford White is the Web master and designer of 21st Century, a futuristic science and technology portal. Here he shares his ideas and tips about web design.
How and when did you become interested in Web design?
One day in 1993, a good friend of mine called to tell me that he had heard about something new, strange and exciting called the Internet. I was sceptical at first, but I soon found myself hooked.
How many Web sites have you designed to date?
Over a period of three years I must have designed over 50 Web sites.
Which of these was your favourite?
In April 1998 I was commissioned to join in with new media company ICV, to work on some new CD-ROMs and their attendant Web sites for
GQ Magazine. It involved such arduous tasks as interviewing Jeremy Clarkson on the set of his
Supercars video, speeding up to Jordon to interview Damon Hill for a car feature, and hanging out at Uri Geller's house for tea. From a personal point of view it was also the most challenging role I had attempted up to that time. It involved me wearing an entire wardrobe of hats, including content management, Web design, promotion and marketing.
What was your role in the creation of 21 st Century?
During my career as a musician and composer, I had been running a record label called 21 st Century Music, and when the Internet arrived, I initially approached it like a musician. I had already purchased the domain name 21stcentury.co.uk with the express intent of exploring that potential.
For several years I ran the domain as 21st Century Design, my Web design company, during which time we designed Web sites for small businesses.
It was not until May 2000 that we finally gained the initial investment to concentrate on developing the 21 st Century site in earnest. It has grown rapidly from then on.
How would you describe it?
The mission of the 21 st Century site itself is to feature an ever-changing, eclectic mix of science and technology articles, richly designed and interwoven with high-tech content.
What do you think makes it stand out, design-wise?
There is always the danger of overcrowding on a Web site. If you only include what you really need for a site, there is always room for something new to be added later: leave space for your Web site to breathe.
What is your favourite aspect of Web design?
The challenge of it. Can the Web site be functional, yet interesting? How can I best use Flash in this setting? The design of a site is a job that should be taken very seriously. What style is best for the client? How should the navigation be laid out? All these questions need answering. A good Web site is totally to the point, without broken links, and should be bug-free and easy to get to grips with. As for the style, if you are purely a creative enterprise, make it fun and funky. If you are selling your wares, make it easily understandable and friendly.
How do you think Web site design and the Web in general will develop in the next few years?
The Web will continue to evolve in ways impossible to predict. Improved Internet speed from services such as ADSL and Broadband are bringing full-screen video onto the Web. And with WAP revolution, we will soon no doubt be accessing our fridge or heating while on the train home from work. But it is my sincere hope that the community aspect of the Web also experiences some of this forward development. Ultimately, it may be personalisation that will prove to be one of the most popular ways to use the Web, where content and services are delivered direct to your desktop.
What advice would you give to someone designing their first Web site?
First of all, create a Web site for yourself. It's a great opportunity to get creative, and stretch your wings. Set yourself the simple target to make a cool and funky Web site. It will probably turn out to be quite good actually - better than you thought. If so, set up the site professionally and promote yourself as a Web designer. That's what I did, and it worked.
Reproduced with permission from Paragon Publishing © 2001.
