Art Medium, or Information Utility?

The nature of the Internet began as an information tool; info could be uploaded via html files, and others could access those files, provided they had the proper equipment for viewing them.

During the course of the Internet's evolution, however, the ways in which that information can be displayed have also changed, mainly for the better. Some of these improvements are, of course, strictly technical and deal with accessibility improvements; other improvements are mainly in the aesthetics of a website.

Aesthetics? What do those have to do with information, shopping, picture sharing, and all of those other tasks we accomplish via the Web today, you may wonder. In a nut shell, sites that are pleasing to the eye and invoke a positive response to a viewer's senses are going to be remembered above others, and ultimately chosen over the others. Perhaps the color scheme/snazzy graphics/custom logo and matching background image are a little frivolous at face value, but the average viewer/web site user isn't supposed to be concerned with that sort of thing.

Mr. or Ms. Internet user simply wants to find what they want, do what they need, and move on to the next task, whether work related, life management related, or recreation related.

As a designer, I strive for a happy balance of both--up to date usability practices with an artistic flair as far as aesthetics are concerned. Thankfully, tools exist now that mean one is not mutually exclusive of the other. As a service provider, the wishes of the client always supersede my own vision, but when given free range I prefer to exclusively use the former and take liberty with the latter. As part code monkey, part aspiring digital artist, I build with all the tools available, and aim to leave my mark on the minds of those who view and use my sites.