I have always seen web design as some form of art. Imaginations and creations of a designer that are used to produce something very soothing for the eyes. I started second guessing my believes when I read Joshua Porter’s 5 principles to design by.

I personally think that design is partially art. Yes it’s true that design is primarily focused on usability, but the aesthetic value of the design is added through artistic work by the designer. The more artistic insight, the better the site will look. You can teach someone to create a web site, but you cannot teach him to be creative. You can teach someone how to create art, but you can’t teach someone to be artistic and be an artist.

A lot of what he writes is true, when you compare the two with eachother. I think it’s a matter of interpretation.