# Looking for classes in the Science of Web design (Website Architecture) **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 13, 2011, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-classes-in-the-science-of-web-design-website-architecture/606062 "2011-12-13T19:30:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Pabitel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbce88/32.png) [@Pabitel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pabitel)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2011, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-classes-in-the-science-of-web-design-website-architecture/606062/1 "2011-12-13T19:30:16Z")
I have the opportunity to get some additional professional training and and am trying to locate a good training opportunity that addresses the science of Web site and page design. I know all the technical skills to implement designs. I don’t need HTML or CSS or XML, etc. I just need a good foundation in what works and why when it comes to the architecture of Web pages and entire sites. I have been involved in the construction and maintenance of Web properties for 15 years so I am not coming at this as a noobie. I want to give the design sensibility I have picked up over that time a scientific underpinning. I don’t want warm, fuzzy, feel-good “instructors best hunch” type design advise. I want cold hard facts on what Web features and design strategies are the most effective. I have looked around for a good program but there is just so much garbage out there in this space that I have found it hard to winnow out the few serious players. If anybody has any leads in this area I would really appreciate you passing them on. I placed this in GQ because I am looking for facts on organizations that offer the kind of training I want as opposed to opinions about different training options. If anyone wants to debate the effectiveness of any particular training option that should go to IMHO. I just want names and contact info. Thanks ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2011, 7:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-classes-in-the-science-of-web-design-website-architecture/606062/2 "2011-12-14T07:56:56Z")
I have no particular answers for you, but I could suggest a few clarifications you might mention that would help: – How free to travel are you? Are you looking for a college you might go to that has such a class? – Are you looking for an on-line class you could take? – Are you looking for something offered by a private college or company, or a public college class (even if on-line)? – Maybe simply a good text-book on the subject that you could self-study? Are you just trying to learn, or are you also trying to get some kind of certificate or C.E. units or such? – Is this something your company is going to pay for? ---
**Author:** ![ticker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@ticker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ticker)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2011, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-classes-in-the-science-of-web-design-website-architecture/606062/3 "2011-12-14T09:24:43Z")
Would the Stanford [Human Computer Interaction](http://www.hci-class.org/) class suit? If it as good as the free AI and Machine Learning classes I am just completing, it will be a blast. ---
**Author:** ![Pabitel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbce88/32.png) [@Pabitel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pabitel)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2011, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-classes-in-the-science-of-web-design-website-architecture/606062/4 "2011-12-14T15:02:50Z")
> [@Senegoid](#): > > – How free to travel are you? Are you looking for a college you might go to that has such a class? Travel is a possibility. I definitely want to know about colleges that have a relevant program even if they are not in my area for comparison sake. > [@Senegoid](#): > > – Are you looking for an on-line class you could take? Online is fine but it needs to be substantial. I am not looking for someones musings on design posted as a free tutorial. > [@Senegoid](#): > > – Are you looking for something offered by a private college or company, or a public college class (even if on-line)? Either and both, as long as it is relevant. > [@Senegoid](#): > > – Maybe simply a good text-book on the subject that you could self-study? Are you just trying to learn, or are you also trying to get some kind of certificate or C.E. units or such? That works as well but I am having a hard time finding what I want. Everybody who publishes anything about Web design tends to jump right in to code and gives actual design a short shrift. I don’t have designs on any specific cert. > [@Senegoid](#): > > – Is this something your company is going to pay for? Potentially. Thanks for the questions and any further direction you can provide.