AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO WEB DESIGN

Abstract: The theory of interdisciplinary studies can be understood to apply to the creation, not just the study, of a complex system; in this case, to the creation of a Web site. We examine the aspects of a Web site that make it complex, and the disciplines used in its creation. After interpreting the steps in Web site design as steps in the interdisciplinary process, we critique specific Web sites and show how they could be improved through a more fully interdisciplinary Web design process. We conclude with recommendations for making more interdisciplinary both the education of Web designers and their organization into Web design teams. In “A Theory of Interdisciplinary Studies, ” William Newell (2001) proposes a unified approach to interdisciplinarity that is applicable to the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. We extend the theory even further to the professions by taking the position that interdisciplinarity is properly understood to include not only the study, but also the creation, of a complex system. A cross-functional team that creates a new product (business), designs a treatment program (medicine), addresses a community or societal problem (public administration), produces an artistic work (fin