Definition of web design
The phrase "web design" is used in so many different ways perhaps we can first agree upon a common definition for web design. Then we can discuss how web design contributes towards achieving business goals. We can then discuss how much should be spent on web design versus Internet Marketing to get a return on investment.
Web design is a process of conceptualization, planning, modeling, and implementation of computer based media delivered via Internet to be used by web visitors and displayed by a web browser.
Adapted from Web Design section of the Useful Ref website.