Django is a powerful web framework designed to make web development fast and easy. If you're just getting started, you'll be pleased to know that Django is especially beginner-friendly. This beginner's guide outlines the fundamental steps you need to take to begin your journey in creating creative web applications with Django. To start, ensure you have Python installed, as Django is built on this programming language. Once you have Python set up, you can install Django using pip. Here’s how you do it:

1. Open your command line interface.
2. Type pip install Django and hit enter.

After installing Django, it's time to create your first project. Start by using the command django-admin startproject myproject, replacing myproject with your desired project name. This command will set up a structured directory where you can organize your applications efficiently. From here, you can create a simple web application by utilizing Django's built-in features such as the ORM, admin interface, and templating system. By taking advantage of these features, you can quickly build dynamic websites that stand out. Remember, practice is key, so don't hesitate to experiment and explore different functionalities within Django to unleash your creativity!

Django is a powerful web framework that comes with a plethora of built-in features, but enhancing your development workflow can make a significant difference in productivity. Here are the Top 10 Django Packages that every developer should consider:

1. Django REST Framework - An essential package for building Web APIs with Django efficiently.
2. Django Debug Toolbar - This tool provides a configurable set of panels to debug and monitor your application.
3. Django Allauth - Simplifies the integration of social authentication into your project.
4. Celery - Allows you to manage asynchronous tasks and background job processing.
5. Django Crispy Forms - Helps in creating beautiful forms quickly and easily.

Continuing with our list, the remaining packages also offer various capabilities that can streamline your development process:

6. Django Rest Framework JWT - Provides JSON Web Token Authentication for your APIs.
7. Flask-SocketIO - Real-time communication through websockets, enhancing user experience.
8. Django Filter - Offers a simple way to filter querysets dynamically.
9. Django Compressor - Minifies CSS and JavaScript files, improving load times.
10. Django Storages - Manage files stored in multiple backends like Amazon S3 or Google Cloud Storage seamlessly.

In the world of web development, especially when working with Django, it's crucial to find the right balance between design and functionality. A well-designed application not only attracts users but also enhances their experience significantly. To achieve this balance, it's important to follow best practices that prioritize both aesthetics and usability. For instance, employing a responsive design ensures that your application looks good on all devices. Additionally, utilizing Django's templating system effectively allows you to separate design from business logic, making maintenance easier and more efficient.

Another best practice in combining design and functionality is to use Django’s built-in features and third-party packages to enhance the user interface without compromising on performance. Incorporating AJAX and JavaScript can create a seamless experience while keeping the application responsive. Make sure to follow a consistent design language and incorporate user feedback into your design iterations. Engaging users during the development process can help identify pain points early and lead to a more functional end product. Remember, a great user experience is a product of striking the right balance between innovative design and robust functionality.