Ask The Web Developer

Designing your next site

Designing websites is a tricky business.  As a designer, I want that site to be sleek and sexy.  I want it to pop with color.  I want the design elements to really say something.  For a web designer, my name (or company name) is being stamped on that.  It's a reflection of the quality of work that I put out there, right?  Well, kind of.  First and foremost, it's the graphic representation of the site owner, their personality, and their image.

I was reminded of this a little while ago from one of my "clients".  I say "clients", but he's really more of a friend.  He is in a different field now, but he started out as a graphic designer for print.  He still keeps up with his art in the physical media, though (i.e. canvas, sculpture, etc.).  Well, I was working on a new design concept for him and I really liked the design I came up with.  It was sleek and modern.  It used a lot of clean, sharp lines and transparencies.  It was as if Calvin Klein got dressed up.  However, he didn't like it.  So, back to the drawing board I went.  The subsequent design was friggin' awesome (imho)!  It was edgy and colorful, the imagery really defined who he is and his image.  I have to admit; I impressed myself.  The best part is that he was really stoked about the new design and the direction we're taking.  It was a great experience for me and also validated some things for me as a designer.

• side note:  I'm a real Type A personality.  So, I gravitate towards the simple, clean, sleek, sexy designs.  This experience was good because it showed me that I can step out of that box.

Anyway, by the end of the process, I thanked him for kicking my butt and pushing me to do better.  He actually said, "I've seen your other designs and I know you can do better.".  Ouch.  But, that inspired me to tap into something deeper within.  After thanking him, he reminded me that I need to see the design from the eyes of the client.  That was a great reminder and the ultimate point of this whole post.

The design needs to be an extension of the client.  I've been looking at design as a non-verbal way of telling the end user about the content of the site.  Sure, that's true, however, if it's not an extension of the client, then it's kinda pointless.  I've learned (and am still learning) that I really need to get to know my clients on a personal level.  I need to be able to read between the lines and give them not just what they're telling me they want, but pick up on the vibe they're sending, too.  It's particularly difficult to do that as a web designer since most communication is over the phone or by email.  So, I have to go out of my way to really understand that person's perspective and personality and allow THAT to drive my design.

So, while it's great to try to sell the client a super creative site, the site you give your client needs to be theirs.  It needs to be their non-verbal voice, not yours.  I think that designers can forget that.  I know I do.

About: Chris: I own Flying Tomato Design, a small web design company based out of Spokane, WA USA. I'm not afraid to admit it; I'm a geek. I'm into Transformers and Star Wars. Although I'm not so far into it that I still live in my mother's basement. I've got a great wife and two wonderful kids. I enjoy playing my guitar when I get time, I like sushi and long moonlit walks on the beach. : ) Thank you for taking a few minutes to read this, and thanks for your support. Check me out on Facebook and Twitter.

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