Patterns in Web Design

Lately I've seen a couple of articles on patterns in web design. No, they aren't Martin Fowler type of patterns. These are best practices of building usable, accessible user-centered web sites and applications. In light of this I'd like to point out a resource I find indispensable when it comes to patterns in web design: The Design of Sites.

Some of the patterns collected in the book might seem too simplistic and obvious, but who said patterns should be complex? The authors did a fabulous job gathering and classifying patterns you see around you as you surf the web. I can guarantee you will see each site differently when you're done with this book.

This book has the best "navigation" I've seen in a long time. All patterns are grouped by their purpose and cross referenced throughout. Each time a pattern is mentioned its group and number appear next to it.

There's more to The Design of Sites than patterns. The first 100 pages are dedicated to such topics as customer-centered design, involving customers with iterative design and other methodology. Several appendixes in the back go over usability evaluations and online research, along with sample consent and observer forms.

The book is 760+ pages. Most books of this size should be shelved in the "Word Diarrhea" section at Borders, but this one is an exception. You don't have to read all of it. You can easily locate patterns by category and name. Since they are nicely cross-referenced you will always stay on the trail.