Excellent tips on good web design which we at Kabissa  will be looking at too.

1. Don't make users think
2. Don't squander users patience
3. Manage to focus users attention
4. Strive for feature exposure
5. Make use of effective writing
6. Strive for simplicity
7. Don't be afraid of white space
8. Communicate effectively with "visible language"
9. Conventions are our friend
10. Test early, test often.

I think the first three and number ten are the most important ones to focus on. There is nothing worse than arriving at a site and not knowing where to go next or spending ages looking for what you want.  Here is a great example of a new website that is clear and concise - Coalition of African Lesbians