The word "design" creates confusion because we use it as both a verb and a noun.
As a verb, it means the conceptual, creative activity for planning how a website will meet its objectives. As a noun, it refers to the result of the activity.
Various aspects of a website require design.
Visual design creates the "look and feel" of a site through choice of text and background, colours, positioning of graphics, size and colours of fonts, the shape and positioning of navigation menus.
Interaction design focuses on how the site achieves the goals of its visitors, especially when visitors perform tasks using the site.
Usability specialists design sites for ease of use. Their work can touch on aspects of both visual design and interaction design.
Information architects "design" the structure and hierarchy of a website's information - see information architecture.
