Page layout and design

Information placed above the fold (the point where the page must be scrolled up) is attended to more easily.
Comparison shopping can require "pogo-sticking": bouncing up and down to view the information.
Chunk text into readable portions. Provide links for further information.
... ZDNet AnchorDesk and MSN Slate are good examples.
Using html frames is problematic - behavior can be unpredictable linking out, cannot bookmark a state within a frameset, history list does not reflect states within a frameset, title doesn't change, printing the frameset may not work.
Pay attention to text legibility. Avoid ALL CAPS, make sure text color contrasts with background, make text large enough for different platforms and browsers, don't use blinking or animated text if you want it read.
Metaphor can be useful to provide a unifying framework and facilitate learning from past experience and knowledge, but it can go overboard.
... CampaignLive uses a television and control panel metaphor.
... BemarNet uses a geographical representation.
... monster.com stands out from the crowd of "career" sites.

References:
Spool et al., Web site usability: A designer's guide, 1999.
Nielsen, Designing web usability, 2000.