The Interworkings of Web Design: The Big Picture
Web Design teams really have their work cut out for them these days. For many firms, the actual web design itself can become secondary to the programming and CMS that ultimately runs the site. “The Devil’s in the details” rings true here. It’s the nuts and bolts that have to turn and work underneath the surface in order to deliver a successful product that meets the clients’ needs.
Designers have to pay attention to a lot of things and much of it falls outside the design sphere. Not only are designers designing, they are also project managers, navigational architects, proofers, usability experts and even copy-writers. They need to know what browsers people use and be able to test different browsers out on the design and written code. The designer is the go-to person for anything on the web that is feasible.
When taking on a new project, it’s all the little things that really matter when designing a new website. Thinking through the details critically and analytically and coming up with the best solutions are the key to being a truly great website designer and developer. Understanding the motivation of the client and maintaining communication throughout the process is what it takes to really stand apart.
Last, but certainly not least, THINK LIKE THE HOME BUYER! When designing the site, it’s important to put yourself in the shoes of the prospective home buyer. Will they like the color scheme? Is the site warm and inviting? Will they be able to navigate easily to the plans-inventory-communities? Are there calls to action? Is the content up to date? These are just a few of the action items that need to be addressed in your next re-design. The conversation is long and involved, but well worth the time.