Web Portfolio
Visual vs Technical – The great web design balancing act.
I find myself balancing the two great opposing forces of any web project: visually compelling design verses technical mechanics of those designs.
Sophisticated graphic design usually drives a website’s construction. If it looks good, it must be a good product or service right? Subordinating usability and content to casual entertainment, the WOW factor, not only diminishes your site’s effectiveness, it may actually hurt your brand identity. Technical underpinnings that serve the cyber experience, with the cleverest server side robustness and client browser theatrics, can result in the unsatisfying user experience.
As you explore the web portfolio from the links above, realize the straight forward approach I strive for. Content is king – content will win your customer every time. People swayed by ‘über cool graphics’ graphics generally don’t open their wallets and buy something. They are to busy looking for the next visually sensation, like flipping the channels on a cable box. Say something meaningful. Communicate with your audience. Make every page count!
Web sites should be built intuitively, so that customers know exactly where they are, where they want to go and get back from where they were. Make your site easy to use, help the visitor find the information they’re looking for. Make navigation that’s obvious, avoid Flash driven ‘mystery meat’ rollovers. Keep the clicks to a minimum. Eliminate value free bells & whistles. Make every element contribute to the message or call to action.
Choose a designer experienced with the knowledge of how customers interact with a site, writing effective copy for a direct response, a coordinated effort to market the site after it goes online, coupled with the technical knowledge to assure your site is up, secure and ready to grow your business.