Flash Essential

So a client has a agreed to let you design their site, so what next? You need to decide on the layout, colors and what kind of site it is going to be but don't know where to start? Unable to find that correct color scheme and layout? Below are a few pointers that may help you in your quest.

Communication

Initial communication is key make sure the client understands the terms of the contract and what you can and cannot do for the money they are paying you. If they want something extra let them know how much extra they'll have to pay you. More often than not you'll get e-mails and phonecalls from the client asking if you could add this on the homepage or "I've seen this on another website and want it on mine". This might seem pretty straight forward to our clients but It can be a nightmare for us and potentially upset the whole design of the website. Keep communication lines open with the client during the design process and let them feel involved during the process. I tend not to show the progress of the site design to the client as
it might not look like how they've imagined it when you're half way through designing it. Theirs no need to cause unnecessary panic.

The Company/Individual

Following on from the communication. Get to know your clients company, ask questions in the initial meeting, get to know their products and services. All this will eventually help you decide on color schemes, layouts and what their vision of their new website is.

What Purpose Does The Website Have?

Ask yourself what purpose does the site have? Is it a more visually based or is the main function to get information across to the user as quick and easy as possible. For example a photographers portfolio will require a very different design from a website that displays stock market data. Design your site around what type of content the site holds.

Who Is Going To Be Viewing The Site?

Think of the target audience. What age group is it aimed at? What type of audience is it? If the site is aimed at kids design it for them, make it fun, bright and appealing. If the site is selling Harley Davidson motorcycles a darker more grunge type design would be more appropriate. Of course not all websites you design will target such a specific audience, in most cases your client will want the site to appeal across the board. I will tend to use cool and neutral colors such as blue, green, gray, black and white for websites aimed at a large target audience.

What Type Of Site Is Needed?

Flash isn't always the answer, take this site as an example it's a dynamic site built with PHP using the WordPress platform. If the client is looking for a full blown visual experience for their users by all means create a Flash site for them, when done right they are the most impressive sites on the web. However if your client wants a fast loading site that they can update regularly with relative ease, other platforms such as a dynamic PHP site would be a better option.

Still Cant Find The Right Design

Often it's hard to come up with original designs time after time, even just getting the right layout can be a difficult process. When this happens the first thing I do is search for similar sites to the one I am creating and look at the way they are built. I study the layout and colors and ask myself what first attracted my attention of that site? and if a similar idea would work in my clients site. Good designers borrow ideas all the time it's usually how new web trends start. Their is no shame in looking at how other web designers work and how their sites are structured, look at each well designed site as an education in design flow.

If All Else Fails

If you still cant find the right layout, turn off your PC or Mac, grab a pencil and pad and get away from your desk. Start sketching some layouts down it doesn't have to be fancy or even relate to the site your designing for your current client, the point is your getting the creative juices flowing away from your desk and computer.

Testing

Before showing the final design to the client I do some last minute tests;

• I'll proof read the whole site from start to finish looking for any obvious mistakes

• I'll get a less computer literate user to navigate around the site to see how easy/difficult they find it.

• I'll also test it in numerous browsers ( IE6, IE7, Opera, Safar and Firefox) I usually do this during the design process as well.

Design Approval

Showing the final design to the client for the first time can be a daunting prospect. In the initial contract I usually write in two design revisions which allows the client to review the design and give feedback of any minor changes then might want in the design.

Conclusion

All the factors discussed above should help you deal with clients needs and of course more importantly find that right design your looking for.

This post is tagged Freelance, Website Design

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