Common web design requests … and why you might want to rethink them.

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Working within the field of design for many years we have come across a number of repeated requests from clients. Most of these requests probably stem from hearing specific information in regards to design or reading information on the internet. Whatever the reason behind the request, we try to give the best answers possible that will address the request as well as educate and inform our client on best practices and options. We would like to share our experience with these requests in an attempt to educate and inform an even larger audience.

I don’t see anything in your portfolio like our project …

Although this one usually comes up well before we’re actually working with a client, I feel the need to address this one since it does come up frequently. Basically, a potential client will go through some of our previous work and not see something that’s exactly what they want for their project. That is actually a good thing! This exemplifies that each and every project we take on is different and created specifically to meet the needs of that particular client. We consider each client’s goals and target markets and work closely with them on the project. So if we haven’t done the exact thing you want, or even worked in your industry before, have no fear! You can read more about this here.

Can you make my site look like …

This one always includes an example of an existing website or print piece. The issue here is not in providing examples, but in the request that the client’s new site should be an almost exact match. When this occurs we do our best to explain that simply because something is on the internet, does not mean it is not under copyright or trademark. You can not simply create a site to be an exact knock off of another site. Besides the legality, it’s just not a good business practice. By all means, use other sites as an inspiration and to provide a designer with a general feel for the things you do like, but do not ask for an exact copy of another site.

Make the logo bigger …

This is a very common request and it applies to a variety of design projects from simple print pieces to websites. Although it may seem like a very good idea to have your logo be larger, let us explain the drawbacks of it as well. Many businesses believe that their logo IS their identity – that it IS their brand. However, brand is much more than you logo. Everything about your business makes up your brand, from things as seemingly small as color choices to as important as the customer service you give. Everything about your business is your brand, so simply increasing the size of your logo does not increase your brand or awareness of your company. On the web, you have a very short amount of time to catch your viewers attention. The first thing they see on your page should be content: a message or call to action, an answer to the viewer’s question (for example, “what CAN this company do for me?”), or a clear visual that relays a message or answers a question. Enlarging the logo draws focus away from what you’re really trying to accomplish. Are you selling your logo, or are you selling your product?

Put all of the content “above the fold” …

For those readers unclear on the phrase “above the fold” that is actually an old newspaper term that applied to putting the most important info and headlines before the physical fold in the paper. On the web it is defined as the viewable amount of browser screen before having to use the scroll bars to see more content. The fold area actually changes based on the viewer’s screen resolution as well as how large they have their browser window. The misconception is that internet users will not scroll. A visual example of this is Life Below 600px. A humorous but factual look at the myth that people do not scroll. Do we think it’s a bad idea to put the most important information above the fold? Absolutely not, but you also shouldn’t be afraid to allow your viewer’s to use their scroll bars to continue reading your page content.

Can we animate that …

Many times a client will ask for an image or a bit of text or even an icon or a menu item to be animated – that is either move on its own on the screen or move when the viewer interacts with it. Most often the request is to simple have something moving on its own. Once again after finding out the why of the request is the first order of business. Just through asking the question we often find out that it’s not necessarily that they want something moving or flashing or otherwise animated, they want to draw attention to something on the page. Animation is not always the best course of action to draw attention to a graphic or text. We’re actually very vocal about minimal animation and not simply using animation just to have something moving. Animation must serve a purpose. Does is actually serve that purpose, or does it cause a visual disturbance in the flow of information presented on a web page? Does it grab attention or annoy? Does it promote interaction or make people want to avoid the area? Usually through answering these types of questions we can determine what the root issues is and if using animation will actually be beneficial to the website.

Can we use (insert technology lingo here) …

The best thing to do when requests are made for a specific programming language or technology is to try to determine why. Is the client asking for asp programming because they are on a Windows server? Are they asking for Parallax because they’ve seen that term around lately and therefore it must be the latest, greatest thing? When there is a logical and valid reason for utilizing something specific it can enhance a project. When there isn’t, then it can do the opposite.

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