With the struggling US economy, many businesses have had to implement steps to curb expenses and pinch pennies. One of the first areas to feel these cutbacks is the web site design and development group. Employees have been asked to fill roles previously held by other employees due to staff reductions. At the same time, these remaining employees are expected to execute robust and efficient mechanisms for their corporate web sites on a tight or non-existent budget. Developers and designers are looking for shortcut tools to get there. It's all about getting more bang for the buck. Web design on a Shoestring is the tool these web site developers and designers need. It reveals all sorts of free or inexpensive resources that are available but unknown. More specifically, Carrie Bickner shows you how any individual can do the things a team of web professionals are often brought in to do. Learn how to create a pennywise plan so that you avoid being nickled and dimed to death later. Find out the best ways to test your web sites efficiencies and functionalities. Understand the most effective content management systems, and the commercial products to use or avoid - all with no dollars being spent.

Web design must mature and accept the developments of the past several years, abandon the exclusionary attitudes formed in the rough and tumble dotcom era, realize the coming future of a wide variety of devices and platforms, and separate semantic markup from presentation logic and behavior.

In a time of cost cutting and budgetary constraints, companies are focusing on maximizing investment returns with fewer resources. A Web investment is no exception. And a superior user experience is critical to its success.

This is an explicit and detailed guide, an intelligent "how-to" book for professionals. It lays the groundwork and creates context by exploring essential concepts, defines terms that may be new or unfamiliar, and then moves forward with practical software techniques. All the while it is building on the existing knowledge and experience of its professional design audience. Taking Your Talent to the Web is based on the Populi Curriculum in Web Communications Design, developed by Jeffrey Zeldman in cooperation with Populi, Inc.The book's purpose is to guide traditional art directors and print designers as they expand their existing careers to include the new field of professional Web Design.