Stepping Away From The Computer

Many aspects of web design take place away from the computer and it is often better this way. Initially, when seeking inspiration for a project, the designer will want to spend time thinking about the client and their needs. Ideas can crystallise in any location, and will probably refuse to do so when one is seated at a desk staring at a screen. Leafing through design books or even going for a walk may help the brain to think laterally, perhaps coming up with a colour, texture, or composition that makes the whole design spring into focus.

Once there has been some kind of spark to set off the process, it can be quicker to sketch ideas with old-fashioned materials such as pencil and paper. Dozens of thumbnails showing variations on a theme can be set down in minutes, before the computer has had chance to start up. Another advantage of having ideas recorded on paper is that other members of the web development team are easily able to view them. They can be pinned on a wall and remain permanently visible rather than being hidden within a computer file.

Pencil and paper can also be used to map out the navigation of a site, allowing the whole plan to be viewed at once, and again others can add their input if the ideas are displayed where everyone can see them. Once final choices have been made, then it is time to fire up Photoshop or similar software and create a version in pixels. At Click Consult we understand that web design begins before switching on the computer.