21–30 of 49 posts
edit: just in case you need more info about this... http://scienceblogs.com/neurophilosophy/2007/10/the_left_bra...
...The use of that last phrase, “style over substance” has always been, as Oscar Wilde observed, a marvellous and instant indicator of a fool. For those who perceive a separation between the two have either not lived, thought, read or experienced the world with any degree of insight, imagination or connective intelligence... Stephen Fry
But most people's preconceptions are of design being primarily concerned with aesthetics and visuals. I find it helpful to show that there is another kind of design that deals primarily with functionality. You could label the two graphic design and interaction design. And of course both are interwoven and interdependent, but they often involve different skillsets and methods..
It's very hard to tell when design or functionality makes or breaks a site. I think we shouldn't be asking that question at all. The whole thing is completely situational. For Craigslist the function is most important and credit should go to the back end guys. Something like Twitter would give it to the front end guys. I'm leaving scaling out of the equation for now and assuming all sites will perform the same under…
A site that is ugly doesn't get used. This, right after talking about Craigslist, a site that enjoys a monthly cycle of "Craigslist sucks, it's so ugly!" ranters who are reliably and continually proven to be clueless.
It's very hard to tell when design or functionality makes or breaks a site. I think we shouldn't be asking that question at all. The whole thing is completely situational. For Craigslist the function is most important and credit should go to the back end guys. Something like Twitter would give it to the front end guys. I'm leaving scaling out of the equation for now and assuming all sites will perform the same under…
A site that is ugly doesn't get used. This, right after talking about Craigslist, a site that enjoys a monthly cycle of "Craigslist sucks, it's so ugly!" ranters who are reliably and continually proven to be clueless.
It's very hard to tell when design or functionality makes or breaks a site. I think we shouldn't be asking that question at all. The whole thing is completely situational. For Craigslist the function is most important and credit should go to the back end guys. Something like Twitter would give it to the front end guys. I'm leaving scaling out of the equation for now and assuming all sites will perform the same under…
A site that is ugly doesn't get used. This, right after talking about Craigslist, a site that enjoys a monthly cycle of "Craigslist sucks, it's so ugly!" ranters who are reliably and continually proven to be clueless.
Design has always been a competitive advantage for startups doing anything with consumers. Case in point, Apple vs. every other small PC manufacturer in the 70's and 80's ... hell, even now.
What? I'm pretty sure Apple got their arse kicked all over the block in the 70's and 80's. I strongly agree that it is a competitive advantage, but I don't get this comment.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
A site that is ugly doesn't get used. This, right after talking about Craigslist, a site that enjoys a monthly cycle of "Craigslist sucks, it's so ugly!" ranters who are reliably and continually proven to be clueless.
Craigslist won because it was first to market. If anything, their particular case might prove that having deep network effects are more important than good design. It drives me crazy that Craig won't allow image previews for apartment listings. It's a poor design decision. But since they own that space of mind, it's extremely difficult for someone else to come along and dethrone them with a better product.
"Technical founders have already become prerequisites in the world of tech startups. Now get ready for the designer founder. The combination of this new duo is going to change the world of tech forever."
But this trend is not new for startups. 37 Signals has been preaching this for a long time now. I can not easily find the original blog post that I'm thinking of, but there is this:
"At 37signals, designers lead the teams. Each development team is made of up three people – two programmers and one designer. The designer also manages the project. In addition to designing the screens/elements, you’ll keep the team focused and make calls about what’s important."
http://37signals.com/svn/design?n=25
But I recall quotes on the 37 Signals blog from as early as 2004 where they were essentially saying the same thing. Since they first began talking about Basecamp, they have talked about this style of development. This is not new.
This is why there needs to be an easily accessible hub for designers and coders alike to present ideas and find people to work with. The idea of bumping into the ideal business partner while in school, at work, or out socially is somewhat arcane.
(not an ad, I just really like the service)