Following Ciaran’s post on Clockwork Orange site’s style (or lack thereof) over substance, I thought I’d highlight an article I recently came across, namely Gerry McGovern’s Graphic Design Plays a Minor Role on the Web. It’s pretty short as online articles go, but it makes for good reading. Basically, what Gerry is trying to say is that that visual, or ‘graphic’ design should not be the main focus of most Web sites.

But while I agree with this, to imply that style isn’t important on the Web at all, which he basically does, is quite flippant.

I feel that the best Web sites have it all: they’re functional, usable and have a good visual aesthetic. I realize that Gerry is trying to warn inexperienced designers about the pitfalls of designing for the Web, but let’s not take it too far. As one irate commenter on the article points out, Graphic Designers seem to be unfairly portrayed as “people who want to produce super-flashed up, impenetrable interactive art pieces” for the Web.

I feel graphic design is very important on the Web. It’s one of the few things that can enhance a website and help differentiate you from the millions of others like you, trying to plug a portfolio/sell a product/make a point/showcase a talent. I’m a firm believer that form and function don’t have to be at odds on the Web. You can have a beautiful site that functions well on the Web. It may just be that little bit harder to rustle up.

And like Dave pointed out, why can’t we all just get along?