There are basic design principles
and resources that even the best designer can benefit from
revisiting every now and then. Functionality, form and
order should always come first in planning a new project,
and this crazy web medium is no different. When looking
for a designer, you want to make sure they understand
these principles and always put functionality first; the
graphics, colors and flashy stuff, while popular, will
have to fit in after the functionality has been established.
Common Problems:
Action: You enlist the services
of a brilliant graphic designer, who unfortunately doesn't
completely understand web design.
Result: You have a beautiful
website with color and design overload, yet find it difficult
to navigate and understand the connections.
Action: You hire a web designer who understands HTML,
JavaScript, ASP, CGI and the whole Alphabet Soup.
Result: A website with cool counters and mouse trail thingamabobers,
that is functional and easy to navigate but that lacks
personality and design interest.
These two situations are much more common then you would
think. The key to your website design experience being
a success is to find a designer who listens to you as an
individual company, person, or service, not just their
next chance to try out the latest flash technology. Find
a company that can integrate both key elements of good
web design: functionality and interest. (By the way, if
you haven't guessed yet, we can!!!)
To help you out on your web design quest, I've compiled
a list of sites I have found useful or helpful in my journey.
On the right hand side are links to various design and
web resource links. I hope these will help you in your
search for the right web designer or your own personal
design style!
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