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Ask HN: Do you design your own website?

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Re: Ask HN: Do you design your own website?

#51

Post by alextgordon »

wdewind wrote: post #48
Travis wrote: post #37

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think what unavoidable is saying is that photoshop, specifically, isn't a necessary step. Personally, I hate mockups in it. I try to use paper and pencil, if it needs to be formal, I use balsamiq. I do agree that you need SOME sort of mockup, but I actually think low res mockups are more effective because people aren't distracted by the fact that an underlined link in PS doesn't quite look right.

thats not a mockup thats a wireframe web designers absolutely should use photoshop, because they are essentially providing the "theme" around the wireframe, that may be designed by the UI designer.

It depends on the specific design. If it's wordy and document-like (eg: http://www.w3.org/TR/html5/) then it may be better to bypass Photoshop and start writing the HTML/CSS, since Photoshop is ill-suited for mocking up those kinds of designs.

On the other hand, if it's more graphical (eg: http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop) then I'd agree that Photoshop is absolutely necessary.

Re: Ask HN: Do you design your own website?

#52

Post by davidedicillo »

I'm a designer so yes. The point is knowing CSS doesn't make you a good designer just as much owning a Nikon D5 doesn't make you a good photographer. Some people have natural talent for balance and aesthetic, some others acquire that with lot of practice. I say, if for you the design of your site is important, hire a professional. I develop simple stuff I do it myself, but if I need things to be solid and scalable I hire a developer.

Re: Ask HN: Do you design your own website?

#54

Post by joshuacc »

oneplusone wrote: post #27
zacclark wrote: post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I agree with most of your points, except that you can't skip photoshop. Depending on your skill levels in various tools, it might be way better to simply start into html + css. I know a couple designer/developers who can go from an idea to visuals dramatically faster in code than they could using photoshop (myself included). Additionally, you get the advantage of being able to style simply effects in right away (ie,…

Sure, if you don't know Photoshop very well then you could code it faster. Except you will end up with sloppier code and a weaker design. It is the equivalent of building a house without blueprints. You can do it, but if you take the time to plan things out before you break ground you will end up with a stronger product. Now, if you already have a design style locked down and code you can just puzzle together then su…

I would tend to think of HTML semantics as the blueprints, with Photoshop as an artist's sketch, but perhaps that's just me.

As to the general feasibility of jumping straight to code, you might find this post by Andy Clarke interesting: http://forabeautifulweb.com/blog/about/designing_the_cannybi...

The design was all done in HTML & CSS. And I, at least, find it more compelling than most Photoshopped web designs.

Re: Ask HN: Do you design your own website?

#55

Post by zeroxsys »

We are a Web development service provider. We design and develop our own website, as a proof to clients what we can do. But sometimes, when it comes to your own website, you tend to put everything you know in there - make it the best one you did. As a result, you take too much time doing it, instead of others doing it for you. So if you have a specific launch date, develop your own website within that period only. Otherwise, hire someone to deliver your website at your desired deadline.

Re: Ask HN: Do you design your own website?

#58

Post by anon-e-moose »

oneplusone wrote: post #21

Well first off, CSS and design are related by they are not the same thing. You could be the best CSS guru out there, and still not know how to design. Don't believe what 37 Signals say, if you skip the Photoshop step in the design process then you will end up with crappy looking designs, and most likely, badly functioning ones as well. If you do hire a designer you should know that there are really two different clas…

You can definitely skip photoshop.

http://24ways.org/2009/make-your-mockup-in-markup

QED

Re: Ask HN: Do you design your own website?

#59

Post by tworats »

I'm an engineer, but picked up enough design sense and CSS to be dangerous. After designing several sites I can confidently say I suck, but not more than 50% of the professional designers out there.

Good design is hard. The problem is it's hard for many who claim to be designers as well, so unless you're willing to pay for a good designer you'll end up with crap.

- Read the "non designer's design book" by Robin Williams. Pay particular attention to typography, spacing, and keeping it simple and minimal.

- Don't go for the gradients and other fancy techniques; just concentrate on getting the basics right.

- Get your color scheme and spacing right and apply it consistently.

- Use a grid.

To sum up: hire someone good to do it for you. If you can't afford that then read/learn and stick to a minimal design and you'll be ok.

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