Architect vs.
Decorator
By Chris Jochetz
Contributing Writer
Article Date: 01.30.03
Following your invitation, I'd like to let you know my position on the
issue of website design vs. development. As a designer I firmly, but respectfully,
disagree with you. I've been a professional designer for more than ten years,
and my experience has been that the analogy of the developer being the 'Architect'
and the designer being the 'Interior Designer' is not very accurate, whether speaking
in terms of interactive/web design or print-based design. I think it's more accurate
to equate the designer with the Architect and the developer with the General Contractor
/ Construction Manager, Electrician and Plumber. They are engineers.
Any designer worth his or her salt begins by doing a thorough analysis of
the client's business and competition. This analysis includes probing the
client on such things as how the site is to be used, the audience it is
intended to touch, the goals the site is to achieve and any business
challenges it is expected to solve. It is then up to the designer to lay out
a site structure that integrates an appropriate look and feel and navigation
strategy with a highly functional and usable user experience. At this point,
the architect (designer) consults with the general contractor (developer) to
discuss any technology issues and how the Architect's vision is to be
realized. The General Contractor then frames, plumbs and runs the
electrical.
Never should the design of the site follow the development. At worst they
should occur in tandem, at best the design should lead. In ALL cases, there
should be consistent, thorough communication between the designer, developer
and client. The designer is typically the usability specialist and is
trained to think with the end user in mind. Developers tend to be more
technically-minded, which often produces overly-complicated, less than
usable results.
So, there you have it, Garrett-- the designers' point of view. What do you
think?
About the Author:
Chris Jochetz
C. Bauer Studio
Interactive and Graphic Design
801/651.3670 (cell)
801/492.6764 (office)
http://www.cbauerstudio.com
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