Well, this may actually work for the not so new designer…
There are a few things to remember when designing, well, many things, but these are the more important things to remember. Designing shouldn’t just be applied to making sites or writing code. Anything you do artist wise, you are designing. Whether it be your new site, a painting, pixel art, or even writing a poem… You are still designing in some aspect. However, this post is going to be more directed towards the web designer, although, anyone can apply this to their other work as well.
And on the intertubes, 70% of self-proclaimed designers suck at what they do. Most of the time I see something that suck, it turns out it all started with one bad turn that snowballs until it hits a train filled with cute little baby kitty cats. But don’t fret, you’re not hopeless.
Here are 3 things that I believe are important to remember.
1. Colors can be yummy, or they can make you want to vomit. Colors are the base of any design. They are the first thing a person sees and it burns into their brain. Be smart about them. Take this site for example. Black text on a white background. High contrast making it easy to read. Dark gray text on a black background… Very bad. The main reason for this is the readers. Sure, your monitor may be a 19″ LCD optimized for art… What about the guy in the middle of nowhere looking to hire someone to make his website to sell his sausages? He my also have that 19″, or he may have a monitor that he purchased at a thrift store that is near its last breath. And when it comes to websites, if you are going to have some bright colors (once again, like this one), make sure the text contrasts as much as possible. Avoid lights on lights and darks on darks.
2. It looks good to you, but I think it sucks. Just because you like it, doesn’t mean that everyone will. For all you know, your taste sucks. Ask others to have a look as you progress. When I am making something, I am constantly getting opinions on it. If the majority like it, then you’re doing good. But make sure you people with different tastes. Asking everyone in your Barbie collectors group if your pink site with purple stars all over it is just asking for a bias opinion. Ask the G.I. Joe collectors, too.
Some people think mullets are cool, too…
3. Know your target, and… Well… Target it… If you are focusing for a certain group, then gain some knowledge about that group. If you are part of that group, don’t think for a second you can just plow into it without a second thought. Gather opinions, suggestion, and thoughts and pool them together. I’m not saying to only design for others, though. Personal preference is a big part of the game. If you are designing for you, personal preference should be around 75% of the design. If you are designing for someone else, then it’s 25% of your preference, after all… They are paying for it after all. But keep some of your own ideas in there, they did pick you for a reason.
