What's the point of 2 web design routes?
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- mistermik
Seems daft to me.
First is always bang on and what I feel/know is right.
the second options gives them to much to think about.
Do people design 2 books / mags / tv adverts / and let them choose?
- graham0
always thought that. there should only be one ideal solution to a brief.
- ********0
Two is a bit of a mistake. Either hang your balls out and give them one, or give them about ten so as to terrify them with the reality of design - that there are an infinite amount of choices - and then you can take them by the hand and guide them safely through the door of your choosing.
- Agreed.
Do your research / findings and then design to that. And nail it.******** - totally.mistermik
- Agreed.
- mistermik0
I dont mind altering afterwards but 2 options feels like - "hmm i'm not sure what is best so you choose please"
like taking your car to a mechanic and him shoving 2 exhausts on - " go on son, pick one"
- kelpie0
clients would go batty if they thought you weren't giving them an option. Its just a cruel reality, they would rather have an option (and therefor an ownership over the sign off) than trust in the opinion and skill of an experienced professional, that puts them and you in a relationship they are not comfortable with as service buyers and cheque (sp) writers
- I forgot how to spell that word, it looks ok to me thoughkelpie
- might wanna czech it at dictionary.com********
- mistermik0
WTF DO YOU KNOW KELPIE
- actually your about right - just annoying,mistermik
- too much, my friend, too muchkelpie
- very annoying. I dare say your account guys are happier saying "we've done TWO frickin things for you!" as well, for obvious reasonskelpie
- ...reasonskelpie
- here here. I did one and told them to be happy. All good.mistermik
- erikjonsson0
2 or more is good
- Bluejam0
two design routes is all fine and dandy if you have two separate teams working on one route each. that makes sense since the client will be getting two independent ideas. for one creative to have to produce to routes seems a bit daft.
- ********0
Are talking about the aesthetics / look and feel of the site, or the site's actual functionality and structure?
If you're talking about the later, I'd argue that this type of structure is built around the needs of your client's users and isn't up for so much debate.
Perhaps it's better to consult with your client a few times, on route to producing your one killer design? This way they feel like they've had involvement in the process, and you can rest assured that they realise what they're getting (and are happy with it).
- jimzyk0
eight options
for 50 dollars / euro
unlimited changes.
- erikjonsson0
or actually i didnt read the thread through. if you have several designers on your team a couple directions is good. both since it gives client security in comissioning and because it lessens reviews and changeorders in trying to make that one single design fit.
but as a solo designer i dont know.
- kelpie0
in my experience this is just a default requirement of new business. Clients expect the options and a designer's dreams of The One True Route are fantasy. Functionality and structure wise, (again in my exp) this is set in the functional specification, so the routes are aesthetic alternatives only. Although this is essentially daft from our point of view, I can't help thinking that the ego issue I described above is utterly matched by any designer who believes they are able to provide the perfect look for their client in a single shot in normal circumstances. Clients are humans and like choice and options, and sometimes simply aren't into the same stuff as you. Good on ye if you have the resource to have separate teams working on concepts for a single job too. That sounds nice, like.
- I think that you can argue that functionality needs to align with user requirement - but you can also argue the same about aesthetics. Any design choice should be able to be backed up with a rationale.********
- aesthetics. Any design choice should be able to be backed up with a rationale.********
- clearly, which leaves you the routes that adhere to all possible rationale to choose from.kelpie
- I think that you can argue that functionality needs to align with user requirement - but you can also argue the same about aesthetics. Any design choice should be able to be backed up with a rationale.
- Fariska0
When it happens to present more than one route, we usually craft each route towards different communication directions ie: one basic and neutral, one who pushes on the technological side of the thing and one that goes for more a "fun/enjoyable" side of the thing.
The result will always be a mix among the 2 (or more directions) but doing so you show to the client different approaches to the same thing which is overall a good thing. And, especially if is the first job with the client doing so you'll learn more about him than with just one piece.
Otherwise you can easily do different solutions for different prices/services you want to include on the website.
But, truth to be said, often we do just one route once the client is acquired.- Why not involve the client in the creative process, before the route is actually defined as complete?********
- Because sometimes a client is unable to understand what he wants until he sees it.Fariska
- Why not involve the client in the creative process, before the route is actually defined as complete?
- mistermik0
kelpie said
"I can't help thinking that the ego issue I described above is utterly matched by any designer who believes they are able to provide the perfect look for their client in a single shot in normal circumstances."
haha thats me.
- Terminal270
@Fariska - I like that idea. We generally tend to do a 'safe' option which the client can choose if they are low risk, and a more styilsed option that involves more technology / dev time.
- mistermik0
they loved the first one.
sigh.