I have come to a conclusion on how web design should be seen. As an entity. Of course there are lots of different smaller and bigger details in the design, but simply put there are three main issues. The following list includes these main issues in their order of importance. The order of a design process may be somewhat different.

1. Content

Content is of course the main thing on a website. Without content the website doesn't exist. Well, it can exist, but it's pretty much blank.

Therefore content should be the priority. The site is build around the content, not the other way around.

2. Access

If the target groups can't find the website or can't use it, there's no point for the site to be. Usability and accessibility are a big deal.

Just make sure different sorts of people with different sorts of devices and needs can access the content. Of course there must be a line drawn somewhere and supporting all the old or less used browsers or devices is not possible.

3. Aesthetics

Humans tend to like things which look good. Somehow using a nice looking device or app is easier than using a boring or ugly thing.

It's important to remember that the aesthetics shouldn't ever collide with content and access. The design, graphs, fonts and all the bling should complement the content and work with the access.