This is the newly redesigned CWF site.

I started out chatting to other designers. Also, I dove into web design books that focused more on design practices and principles. While new to design the concept is not completely foreign to me. I wanted to balance my programming and design halves to make a better whole. Slowly, over the course of a few months, design light bulbs began to flicker in my mind. I was fascinated when I began seeing sites as complete bodies of art. I become mesmerized by sites that took a theme and flawlessly applied that theme into the site design. Design work aside, many of these designers employed innovative techniques in order to accomplish their goals within the confines of current technology.

I had two basic goals when I started the CWF redesign. First, I wanted a clean layout. Second, the layout had to have a fluid look about it. With those goals in mind I went looking for images that captured the essence of those two goals. Once I finished with that task I then began putting the puzzle pieces together. That’s where I employed many of the design and programming techniques that I’d picked up over the previous few months. I’m very happy with the end result.

Talking about a site is one thing, but actually framing it out on a page allows designers to discover possible design setbacks before it’s too late.  I’d rather encounter these difficulties on the drawing board.  At least there it’s much easier to correct a problem.

Also, things needed for a website to function properly are sometimes forgotten about on a first draft.  For example, every site should have footer, but was one included for navigation purposes?  Oops.

Or perhaps that interactive flash site is a good idea for most people, but what about the visitors who have Flash (or JavaScript) disabled on their browsers?  Or better yet what about the small percentage of people who still cling to their dialup access?  These folks need an HTML version of your site.  As do the major search engines.  They need actual content to search.  Looks like it’s time to go back to the drawing board!

These are just a few of the reasons why I create interactive mockups.  I get to have fun creating and visualizing a site.  I also get to discover problems early in the design process.  Finally, the client gets to “see it” before he/she buys it.

It’s a lot like going on a blind date.  It’s goes like this, “Hi there, I’m a web designer and I could help you ….”  But wait!  It gets even better!!  The best part of this ever so brief interaction (if you could call it that!) is that I’m supposed to offer a price quote based on their technical description of the proposed project.  Imagine calling your mechanic and asking for a repair quote after you’ve done your crazy best to replicate the squeaky sound your poor car is making.  Uh huh… good luck with than one!

Oh well, these are the breaks when working without borders.  It doesn’t matter that I’m more of a “like to meet and shake a person’s hand” kind of person.  It also matters not that this sort of bidding puts me a bit out of my element.  And really I don’t know why, because as a web designer I have no boundaries and can work anywhere.  In this digital age working remotely is the norm.  In fact I have years of experience of designing and supporting software remotely.  But still, I usually meet my clients face-to-face, so not actually ever meeting the person still seems a bit mysterious to me.

Your thoughts?