Talking flat design with future clients:
In the design consultation, we ask potential clients if they have a favorite site online that speaks to them. They usually reply that they like our own designer site best. This is a perfect opportunity to explain the advantages of flat design. They are drawn to the clean and simple look of our own custom site (developed using this design method). It is great looking, and uses fewer images which helps the site to load quickly. We chose saturated colors and shapes rather than gradients and shadows The finished website becomes a beautiful and aesthetic experience which is efficient and graceful in look and feel. It speaks to art and the aesthetic response rather than to concentrate solely on business content. In communicating our own brand, flat design was the perfect choice to deliver our message. This does not mean it is perfect for all clients and all businesses. It is important during the design consult that we get to know the client and the business services to offer a suggestion which works best for the specific client.
Flat design methodology:
Rather than depending upon forceful, impactful metaphors (words which completely describe the value) the developer of flat design must get the message across in a more visual way Flat design is built to be as beautiful as it is functional. Composition, colors and different types of shapes help to communicate the flat design experience. The images, chosen carefully, guide the user to communicate quickly and efficiently. These “call to action” visual elements also work to improve conversion rate. Easy on the eye, soft, saturated colors hues are plentiful throughout the flat design layout. Last but not least, the smooth way the typography and hierarchy are defined is another compelling feature of this method.
The budget controls design choices:
When cost is the major concern, and the client’s budget is conservative, we are likely to suggest a WordPress platform (one that will allow them to edit the content on their own after it is programmed and optimized by our programmer). WordPress sites are less expensive than custom design since much of the programming is already built-in. Once the site is completed, we can then turn the site over to the client to make basic content changes on their own. Some of our clients have tried to download a WordPress theme on their own and design the site. Unfortunately, if the client has no programming knowledge, they will soon discover they need a programmer to add the advanced features of the theme they fell in love with. Clients should beware of advertisements offering DIY (Do It Yourself) websites. Some of these ads are misleading. Not everyone can master the software.
How are custom sites different?
Developing custom sites (created from scratch) require more programing and are not developed as quickly as a WordPress site. Custom sites are normally maintained only by the web developer. This allows the site to stay consistent in look and feel. If a client is asking for nothing more than a calling card site and has very few changes, then a custom design is a perfect choice. However, if they are expecting changes to occur regularly, it is better for this client to choose a CMS WordPress site allowing them to manage the site themselves (saving the cost of hiring a programmer by the hour).
We are receiving mostly good comments regarding flat design. However, nothing lasts forever and we are always looking for the next big thing. It challenges us to be better programmers and designers. It forces us to continue learning new techniques to offer our clients the most current bells and whistles available. Thanks for stopping by and hurry back for more from the design wizards of Inside Design Orlando. Stay connected with us for everything Inside Design.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day holiday and on this Memorial Day weekend, take a moment to thank a veteran for the amazing freedom we enjoy in this country.
Saluting the flag on Memorial Day
