Design Matters?
We’re currently pitching for a contract that needs to be easily recognised in [tag]search engines[/tag] (a whole other area of ranting for me, anyway…). When talking to the prospective client they stated that it didn’t have to look good, it just had to “do the job”.
An interesting conversation then started between myself and the client about how [tag]good web design[/tag] could help with the whole “job”, that good web design is important in creating the experience for visitors that help them feel comfortable in doing the ultimate goal, be that to enquire on a service, buy a product, etc.
That’s not to say that design is all. [tag]Content has to be king[/tag] but if the mix of design, content, purpose, clear navigation, easy to understand objectives and anything else you’d like to think of isn’t balanced then the website can’t be all that it can be. For me design only works for three pages then it must be backed up with content otherwise the [tag]design[/tag] is hollow and becomes frustrating.
It was a spirited and positive debate, the client just wanted it to “work”. We do too, it’s just that we want all the elements in place to create the best experience that we can.
What do you think? Do overly designed websites put you off? Does a design influence your thinking as to the website being good or bad? Are you looking for a website that “does the job” or are you looking for more?
Just to make clear, the client is cool with me posting this, we don’t have the job yet and it was a really interesting discussion. We both were just wondering what a wider audience would think.
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You know, recently I was looking into a website for healthcare services and you know what? It was so ugly and so confusing I looked elsewhere. For one thing, if they don’t care what it looks like then it stands to reason they just do not care about potential clients. For another thing, if it’s so poorly designed that you can’t find anything with both hands even if all ten fingers were flashlights…then I can only think they are second rate at best. If I’m not looking to be impressed, then why am I even looking at all? Certainly functionality should be first and foremost…but come on, nobody likes ugly! And this from someone who has to use Tripod!
Speaking of which…I have a page up for the cookbook I’m doing for charity (Recipes for Disaster) so if you’d like to donate a recipe. please do, it would mean so much to have one of yours. In the meantime, hang chilly, Daddio!
[...] Steelso has posted an interesting question on his blog about design and whether or not it always needs to be an important part of building a website. As a biased designer obviously; I have to say yes. [...]
It’s an interesting question Steelso. I started writing out a reply to this but it was getting a bit long so I’ve posted it on my blog here:
http://www.biscuitmedia.com/jamie/?p=57
Personally I think there needs to be a balance between content, design and usability / findability (that’s not a word it it :). The design needs to be relevant to the brand but I have to agree with Steelso - content is king. I’ll take compelling copy over empty flash any day.
Overly designed websites are great for web / graphic desingers (just like you expect your hairdressers to have nice hair).
However, good design does influence me - it shows clarity of thought and professionalism, makes me more likely to listen.
And your final question: I’m looking for websites that meets my needs / desires, are easy to find and then make me want to come back.
Stephen, thanks for your reply. One thing that I hate is overly designed websites for graphic/web designers. I know that it could be argued that the biscuitmedia.com site falls into that role but not as much as other websites that I’ve seen. I have one in mind that is too busy with flashy movement and whizzy animation that it takes a minute or two to get to the contact page.
I feel, again, that the design while being good, clever and ‘cool’ is all very well it actually gets in the way of what you want to do. Namely get information rather than proving how clever your design team is at motion graphics.
Cheers,
Stewart