redswish - a web design blog | new site coming soon!

Letting the computer influence design

nathan — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:38:41 +0000

In this month's Computer Arts, a particular quote from an inspiring interview with legendary designer Milton Glaser stood out to me:

"I find a lot of students beginning to resent the computer as too powerful to use without thinking. They now describe it the same way; they say, "Before I start to do anything, I make notes and sketches and draw because otherwise the computer dominates everything I do"."

Although I believe he's more likely referring to graphic design as opposed to web interfaces, it's an important point to consider. Personally I never open Photoshop before scrawling away, pencil on paper. It's a faster medium on which to lay my ideas and visions as they appear in my mind, without the distractions of colour, typography, design trends and the concern of "How it will work - Flash, AJAX? Scroll right, fade in? Pop-up or slide down?". It's just my ideas, the pencil and the paper. I've never been able to draw in the slightest. It's a flaw I've always been ashamaed of. I tell people I'm a designer but can barely draw a cartoon dog. Thus I never used to touch physical drawing tools - I'd hop straight into Fireworks or Photoshop and practically will the design into existence. It took me quite a while, too long really, to realise the ignorant error of this approach. As powerful as computer-based design tools are, they do indeed seem to impose a certain level of conformity, structure and precision that's simply not natural On another tangent - does computer design software make us lazy? I'll be the first to admit that I've persuaded designs in my head in Photoshop, but stumbled upon a particular brush set, font or shape that 'does the job', and as opposed to persuing the vision in mind, I've simply settled for 'nice', but second best, because it was handed to me on a plate by the click of a mouse. As per usual I may sound like I'm exaggerating the issue, but it's certainly something worth considering. Do you feel that your designs, whether they be website layouts, application interfaces, banners and posters, branding etc. are in anyway influenced not just by experience, design understanding, trends and client briefs; but by the software you use?

Long time no speak

nathan — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:35:28 +0000

Apologies to everyone, I have indeed returned from my travels and am back immersed in the world of real life and work, although this site has yet to kickstart. The new Redswish website is in development and will be relaunching soon, packed with a fresh selection of (hopefully) great articles on web design, marketing, branding and everything in between. So I've decided to hold off publishing any new posts until the new Redswish launches in a few weeks. If you can hold out till then that'll be great - I promise it will be worth the wait! Until that momentous occaision feel free to follow me on Twitter or contact me with any ideas for articles or any topics you'd like to see on the site and I'll file it all in my mound of 'things to do'! Thanks for the patience everyone, Nathan

There and Back Again

nathan — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:10:55 +0000

Hey folks, for those of you who don't know I'm actually heading off traveling for 3 months. In fact, I've already started and forgot to let you know! As much as I'll try, it's going to be difficult to ensure regular, decent computer access whilst backpacking through Indonesia, Australia and Japan so you may not hear much on Redswish regularly, or even at all, until I get back in October. I will however be putting some focus into a travel blog, which really stretches me thin enough as it is. If you fancy checking it out, it's not quite finished but I'll be building it up as and when I can at thereandbackagain.nathanbeck.co.uk. But I promise when I get back it's a big step forwards for Redswish. There will be a redesign, possibly a slight rebrand a definite and solid change in direction. We'll still chat about web and graphic design but also lots more. As I'm learning - there's a hell of a lot more to being a great designer online than just a knowledge of HTML, CSS and a copy of Photoshop. I want everyone to be a part of exploring and sharing that. So, one last musing for you before I log off and get the backpack on. I was sat in McDonalds before (I know - visit a far off foreign country and eat at McDonalds... leave me alone!) and I wondered why they charge less for people eating out than inside. I used to think it was to save seats, which may apply at peak times. But no, it's defnitely more than that, and so simple. Persuading people to eat outside rather than in by charging a slightly lower price ensures more people with McDonalds on the street. Which means tens or hundreds of walking advertisements sporting the big yellow M on paper bags all over the place. It's quite possibly one of the most affordable and influential forms of advertising I've discovered. I can't believe it took me so long to realise!

A real web design curriculum

nathan — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:47:29 +0000

There's constant discussion in our industry about the merits of education vs self-teaching. The general concensus seems to be from those that studied at University and further education that although it was great experience, it seldom had little impact or relevance to their roles within new media and web design. In such a fast evolving, and still relatively new industry, standard curricula simply can't keep up. Web designers teaching in educational institutions begin to loose touch with the latest trends and technologies, and by the time a curriculum has been created, amended and passed it's already well out of date, and often innacurate. This leads to many students and those starting their web design education setting off in the wrong direction because 'the breadth and depth of our medium can be daunting'. However, WaSP (The Web Standards Project) have been working collaboratively with designers, developers and standardistas in the industry to craft a concise corriculum that delves into all the aspects of the minefield that is web design. WaSP Interact is a fantastic new community-driven initiative that provides a essential, up-to-date framework of reference materials including books, online reading, podcasts, videos and resources to stimulate and educate. To support this great selection of resources are guides as to how work should be assigned, monitored and tested in a school environment.

In their own words: "WaSP InterAct is a living, open curriculum based upon web standards and best practices, designed to teach students the skills of the web professional. Adapt and reuse our resources. Contribute your own content and ideas."

The breadth of the framework covers 6 core topics including Foundations, Front-End Development, Design, User Science, Server-side Development and Professional Practice. Within each of these areas it delves into sub-topics that really pad out almost every aspect, not just of basic web design, but every facet of what's required to work in this fast-paced, demanding industry. But what really sets is apart is how open it is. Industry experts, 'veterans' and anyone with an knowledge to share on the matter can contribute resources, suggest new modules and how to improve and update what's already there. This will ensure that the curriculum remains up-to-date, fresh, accurate and versatile. This is a dynamic, real-time curriculum. This is exactly what our industry needs. This is important. The potential of Interact is not just important to those in education, but to anyone working in web design and development. The resource database will only grow, will only get better. There is something here for everyone. So I strongly suggest you check it out.

Total Experience Design

nathan — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:29:09 +0000

For good experience design to work it has to infuse every element of the business. The website, being the primary UI platform, has to be usable, friendly, easy, fast and fun. The importance of this shouldn't be overlooked. People are busy, we don't have time to learn new complicated systems all the time. Convenience is king! But what other points of interaction does the consumer have with a business? When making a sale, either online, over the phone or in person - the service should be exceptional in every way. Too difficult? Why should it be? Aftersales is just as important, if not more important than the actual sales process itself. Reminder and confirmation emails must be smart, personal and inviting. If someone ever rings up or emails customer service the response should be as rapid as possible and personal. Especially with a company starting out small, this shouldn't be difficult. In fact, it should be mantra. What quality is the quality of your product, and your products packaging? How quick is the delivery time? Is your customer excited when they receive your product in the mail? Consider vitually any Apple product. The experience of going into the Apple store, browsing the alluring array of technology on open display, talking with intelligent, enthusastic sales staff, making the transaction (and burning that massive hole in your wallet), walking out of the shop with a lovely Apple bag that draws attention from other shoppers, getting home and slowly unboxing the product is as much an experience in itself as the product is. It's part of the reason Apple get to charge 10x more than the competition, and yet why people remain loyal to them.

Experiences that market themselves

Graze (graze.com) is a great example of a business model built around the user experience. Personally, I believe the procuct they sale is very much overpriced. But so are Apple products, fast cars, Bang & Olufson speakers and anything with 'Louis Vuitton' on it. But the Graze site is fantastically usable and fluid, so much so that it's a pleasure. Messages are personalised. You have the option to completely configure what food items you love, like, don't mind trying and never want to receive. You get a lovely email the day before your box is due to arrive. The box itself is of a high quality, is relatively eco-friendly and sports the Graze branding. The packaging inside is well done. The food sent is fresh and tasty. They also supply a napkin! Within every box you get a nice card informing you exactly what's in your selection and 3 vouchers to give to people for a free trial. You also get £1 off a box for each person you recommend, or you can donate it to some rainforest charity (yay!). A case study business model. Graze has done almost no advertising whatsoever. Almost every single new customer has been by word-of-mouth marketing because of a remarkable product, a fantastic user experience and a great incentive to spread the word.

The consumers voice

One bad experience, just one pissed off customer that just so happens (or maybe not) to be a blogger or socialite with reach can potentially turn hundreds of people away from your business. On the web every consumer is a producer. Everyone has a megaphone. Thus it's essential to remain consistantly great. Listen to what your consumers have to say. Emails should be received and responded to. If a customer has had a bad experience and tries to contact you about it - don't ignore them. Reply immediately, apologise and offer them a refund or future discount or whatever seems relevant. Doing so may have just turned an angry customer into a happy one that goes and tells others about your generosity.

Don't shrug

If that all seems to difficult, you may as well throw the towl in now. Because there's a 100 other companies, freelancers and individuals, charities and organisations that are more than happy to give it a go. And sure as hell if they do right by it you'll be out of the rat race. Something to think about, I guess.

Taking typography seriously

nathan — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:11:59 +0000

A typography post has been long overdue on Redswish. And just when I was getting geared up to get stuck into one, Craig Ward published a fine article in this months Creative Review on the shifting role of typography in advertising. I'm afraid if you're not a subscriber you probably won't be able to view the full article, so I'd most certainly recommend getting hold of this months issue because it's one of the finest in months. Craig's article looks at how we can adopt great typography to portray our messages without the need for obvious visual hand-holding and the 'witty juxtaposition of images' to force an idea or message across very quickly, summing it up well with the final line "A picture may paint a thousand words, but conversely, with a thousand words, who needs pictures?". A recent article on Smashing Magazine featured some inspirational floral typography in both print and web that in some cases was breathtaking, and certainly didn't need any distracting visual accompaniment. The typography really did speak/read for itself!

Typography on the web

It's not just in print that typography has been pushing forwards. With greater adoption of technologies such as sIFR, cufón and @font-face we're seeing a wider spectrum of typography usage on the web. Although it's not always for the best. With this open access to all sorts of available font families the barriers begin to fall and the standards set in place to help ensure accessibility and legibility on screen can be disregarded. That's before we start considering the legal implications of using anyone's fonts left right and center!

The power of influence (kinda)

nathan — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:05:14 +0000

In light of my recent post on social influence, this kinda' seemed appropriate. Although not really what I was talking about at all!

The power of influence

nathan — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:07:07 +0000

Regular readers may have noticed that Redswish has taken a slight turn in topic style over the past few months. This is largely because it's a one-man mission and I tend to blog about what I'm interested in or learning about at the time. Recently I've been focusing a lot on new marketing, building up more personal and effective relationships with clients, the demise of mass media and commoditisation, the evolution of experience design and authenticity and the psychology behind how we, as marketers and advertisers can influence and connect with people and craft stories that spread. Hence the reason it's been a while since a design post, which as a web design blog I truly feel I owe you. But I must admit there's been a wealth of great design articles blanketing the web at the moment so feel free to hit up Smashing Magazine, Web Designer Depot etc and you'll find lots of great material. BUT NOT RIGHT NOW! Because I have other stuff to sell. This article may not seem beautifully crafted and may come across as thought spilled onto paper (or a computer screen). Well, that's exactly what it is. I want to hear what people think about this, I'm merely dipping my toes in the vast lake of this subject and I'm totally cool with holding hands!

Advertising is dead

Advertising will never die. But it sure as hell is transforming massively. And we've known this for a long time, but are still slow to respond. Investing stacks of cash in big, bold, flashy, in-your-face ads isn't enough anymore. Breaking through the noise is too difficult. How often do you notice the Google AdWords or daft banner ads on a site? Most certainly less and less as we subconsciously train ourselves to tune out the distractions. I'm not saying billboards, TV, radio etc are completely useless, but yeah unless you've got a silly marketing budget and creative license to bang your head against a brick wall, then yeah.. go home.

Creating ideas that spread

It's the way forward folks. Viral is still in it's infancy. In old marketing the marketers jump in at the end and try to bridge the gap between product and consumer, now flip it upside down. Authenticity is essential. Great products and services that people talk about is what will drive you forwards. Your customers are your marketers.

Interactive advertising

nathan — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:10:20 +0000

Who said that adverts had to be directly relevant to what a company does or provides. At the end of the day, everyone knows who McDonalds are. A billion pound marketing budget couldn't make them any more well known. So what's wrong with making people smile?

Some tips for designers

nathan — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:54:53 +0000

A couple of great articles I've stumbled on recently that focus on the essence of new media design. 10 logo design tips from David Airey which might as well be printed onto stone and regarded as the 10 commandments for all I'm concerned. And a nice post from Tracy Grady that tackles common misconceptions about design and designers - What Graphic Design Isn't. Great advice all around! Oh, and where are my posts you ask? Yeah I know sorrrrrry been reallllly busy but will honestly get some chunky tasty lick your lips content up here soon. Promise.