9. So, what’s wrong with design today?
‣ Internet Explorer.
‣ Revenue being the bottom line in driving design decisions.
‣ The disconnect between graphic design and web design.
‣ Too much focus on technology, technique and the latest trends.
‣ Browsers, HTML, and CSS are still moving forward at a glacial pace.
‣ There are ridiculous arguments about bad design actually being good.
‣ There isn't enough focus on copy as a design element.
‣ We need new heroes.
11. So, what’s right with design today?
‣ Best practices are now part of the quot;standard design skill setquot;.
‣ Designers creating their own products/companies.
‣ People are learning the quot;right wayquot; at an earlier age.
‣ Many different people from different backgrounds in design are trying their
hand at the web.
‣ Web designers are maturing, beginning to develop good fundamental bases.
‣ Complexity of design is increasing in proportion with average bandwidth.
‣ We're still able to do an amazing amount with the very few tools we're given
as designers.
‣ Flexible platforms like WordPress, Django, and ExpressionEngine make
design more leverage-able.
13. The most important elements of any design.
‣ A clear and defined purpose.
‣ A solid concept well executed.
‣ A solid architecture.
‣ Balance.
‣ Answering the quot;who, what, whyquot; questions as quickly as possible.
‣ Making your interface easy enough for beginners but also appropriate for
advanced users.
‣ Easy navigation from one area to another... the scent of information.
‣ Personality & Memorability: Standing out from the crowd.
30. Reassembly.
‣ I stumped the panel on this one. ^_^;
‣ Take the elements of design and apply them to your projects.
‣ Find what fits.
‣ Quirky’s cool, but only if it fits in with the overall feel.
‣ Little details can make the most impact, but don’t spend 99% of your time
on 1% of the project.
‣ So, you got some inspiration? Make sure to keep the following in mind...
32. Spinning it and making it your own.
‣ There are no new ideas... just old ideas spun differently.
‣ Copy at your own risk.
‣ Don't be afraid to experiment or twist conventional models.
‣ Style is something every designer develops eventually.
‣ The need for better checks against theft.
‣ Sometimes it's better to be good than original. (especially on the Web)
‣ Learning from good design is an age old tradition.
‣ Don't steal, use nodes of design inspiration (http://www.cameronmoll.com/archives/000016.html)
‣ Try a glass of wine.
‣ Mix up your process (e.g. if you normally comp in PS first, try designing in
CSS initially)
33. SEVEN.
So, any questions?
Remember! There are awesome t-shirts at stake!
