On the one hand there is the "clean and simple" approach, typified by Google.com. The critical information/function of the site is displayed on the main page with precious little else. There is lot's of open space, and little danger of a visitor being confused or lost. The look is crisp and clean, and no scrolling is required. This design seems to work well for Google, which has, after all, one primary focus, being the number one "search" company.

On the other, there is the "plaster it with content" approach, typified by Yahoo.com. Very little screenspace is left unfilled (see footnote). More content is displayed, and if a visitor does not like some of the items offered, there is (presumably) a good chance he or she will spot something else of interest. This design seems to work well for Yahoo, which, although although definitely a "search" company, also has a strong focus in other areas (email, computer dating, etc.)

Since both approaches are in use by highly successful entities, how does one decide? I would suggest that the content of your site should be the decisive factor in your decision. If your site is primarily focused on one feature (as Google is in the case of search), then the "clean and simple" look may be the best way to go. On the other hand, if your site has a lot of different focus areas, each worthy of visitor attention and you want to give them all front page exposure, then you probably want to go with the "lots of choices look". And of course, intermediate approaches are possible too. So use your best judgement based on your site's content, see how it works for you, and revise as needed. Happy designing!

[Note: If viewed with a "non-supported" browser (such as Mozilla 1.7.1) Yahoo.com may show a page which is more in the "clean and simple" mode of design (along with a suggestion to upgrade to a more current browser). For any supported browser, however, Yahoo is definitely in the "Lots of Choices" camp as of this writing.]