Form Should Follow Function Cool technology and poor design are killing the Internet. The classic example of this thinking taken to its extreme is WAP, or wireless application protocol. The Web is like a a library, newspaper, and directory all rolled into one. A defining characteristic of each of those is that they tend to have a very similar and functional design. All libraries have bookshelves, chairs, and tables.
All newspapers have straight columns of text and pictures.
The designs of libraries, newspapers, and directories have changed very little in the last 20 years for the simple reason that they work. The designs are boring, but useful. A to Z is so boring. Millions upon millions of people are new to the Web. Millions more will use it only once a month or whenever they want to find a specific piece of information.