Okay, I admit this is a trick question. But what do you think is most important in a website and why? Look and feel, or functionality.

There is a strong point to be made for each, and there is no wrong answer, just your opinion.

Don

@donpurdum

A similar question: what makes a rectangle bigger: its width or its height?

They’re both important, but perhaps in certain industries look becomes more important. I once worked w/a plastic surgeon who was unwilling to spend money on a redesign, even though his site was ugly, by anyone’s definition.

Although we were able to increase traffic dramatically, his conversion rate hovered at nil.

When people are going to hire a professional to perform optional, un-covered surgery to make them look beautiful, they need to see a beautiful website.

Michael Levine writes about a similar idea of the “Tiffany Box.” Everything increases in value when placed in a Tiffany box. If you have a poor looking website, it can definitely hurt your conversion rates, especially if you’re in certain verticals.

@donpurdum I don’t think it’s a question of which is more important but which one do you tackle first. For me it’s definitely functionality. I’m building my site now trying to get all the things I want my readers to be able to do first. With that out of the way I can work on the design even after the site is launched.

I’m just in the process of setting up a website & are considering using a genesis framework for a wordpress theme.I had started to use a blogging theme in the hope that the front page could change, but seems easier to choose a website type one to start with.Being a creative person & not very techy, I struggle with the “design/look” of the theme compared with the functionality!For me I’m unsure how much can be changed as in the look of the sight, does that depend on each theme? And having a “backend” that is easy for me to work with (a beginner)! I guess I need a lot of help.

Lots of good comments on this. To me it starts with understanding your audiences first, what types of content they seek and need, and developing a sound information architecture that is intuitive for site visitors.
I believe those should drive design and functionality.

That being said, a pleasing graphic design is helpful and in many cases essential, as @rich-brooks pointed out. But, visitors will leave your site quickly if they do not easily find what they want or you do not have compelling content. Eye candy has value to a point.

Design must follow form or user-ability. If someone can’t use the site, there’s no need to have it, but there must be an attraction factor. Sites are to get leads… site need to make money for you. A good business minded developer goes a long way along with a graphic designer who can work within the parameters of the functionality of the site. 

both.

Hey Jess, perhaps you and I should talk web design. @jesskupferman

Another option that was not mentioned is website conversion optimization! Very important to set up your site to promote leads and sales!!

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In order to keep my interest, a site needs both.  But if I had to choose which was more important to me, it would be functionality.  I can see past design somewhat, but if it doesn’t function logically and fast, I tend to leave.