Web Designers Are Super Smart and Other Myths

February 15th, 2006

I want to dispel myths that some people may believe about Web designers. If you don’t recognize these myths, it could be because I’m the only one who ever believed them. I can only speak for myself!

Web designers are super creative types who see visions, dream dreams, and make remarkable designs appear out of thin air.
Rebuttal: Web designers must have the ability to hear their client’s requests, goals, and personality through verbal and nonverbal communication and translate it into a tangible design. This is not magic, but a process based on careful thought, improvisation, and client feedback.
Web designers are super smart.
Rebuttal: Again, I can only speak for myself! I’m certainly smart enough to add and subtract, but I am human and make mistakes from time to time.

There is no substitute for feedback from a client. Questions that challenge a designer’s assumptions can be extremely helpful to the process. Try asking, “Why did you make the logo that size?” or “What message do you think that color scheme sends?” etc. Non-designers need do little more than ask questions and offer direction to get an above average design from an attentive designer.
Web designers can’t take criticism.
Rebuttal: Perhaps there’s some truth here. At my company, which is myself and any sub-contractors needed, we work hard to take a non-defensive posture. Depending how sleep deprived I am, my ability to respond with class may be diminished. However, constructive criticism is the lifeblood of good design. Good designers know this, and treat criticism with respect - even if it hurts.