i've got to say, all this about learning different languages such as PHP, MySQL, CSS, HTML etc isn't any use unless you're making something really professional or you just want to show off - you can make a nice looking and simple to use website using just photoshop, macromedia fireworks and dreamweaver without knowing any code at all. If you want to know more about this method, or see some examples of that sort of work, PM me and ill explain it a bit further.And on a general note, although you want it usable and user-friendly etc.. dont ignore the design side (and of course dont ignore the usability) - i would say that the usability factor has a slightly higher value over the design but only slightly, because even if its easy to use, noone is going to stay on a site that doesnt look decent and is made up of 3 block colours. Its all about getting the right balance...Good luck!
