09 Jun 2003 | aliotsy said...

So assuming that fortune isn't smiling on you and the client or potential client has not stumbled on these articles, how exactly does one convey these ideas to them? Especially in terms of the first link, it seems to be a paradigm shift, but when does it occur? Do we sit around and hope it happens without us, or do we take an active role in changing preconceived notions? And if we choose the latter, how do we go about it?

09 Jun 2003 | LukeW said...

I would say it happens throughout the process and when you/how you set expectations. For instance, I never use the term graphic designer the connotation is "one who makes things pretty". I perfer interface designer. Of these 4 (from the first article)
Work better
Sell better
Shed new light on old subjects
Look better

The focus shifts to "works better". Also I think in the last post a discussion came up about process and saving the visuals until content and interactions are decided upon. That may help as well.

09 Jun 2003 | rjs said...

In my experience, clients aren't interested in being told how they should interact with me. The alternative is to build the right relationship into the contract (or expository discussions) with an outlined process:

1. I will have all the content from you.
2. No, all of it.
3. We will agree on how we want users to interact with that content.
4. We will agree on what technology will facilitate the interaction.
5. I will make it smart.
6. I will make it pretty.

09 Jun 2003 | jim said...

"I will have all the content from you"

Amen to that.

10 Jun 2003 | Mixm said...

From the third article
we have a greater responsibility as graphic designers to merge into our society and participate in making changes for the betterment of humanity.

"betterment of humanity", are we having a shift from considering ourselves as artists to "bettermenters" ;-)

IMHO, as designers we help sell things, in the most efficient way. Thats usually a good thing for everyone. But "betterment", come on. If helping selling things are a betterment of humanity, a lot of things are a betterment. Designers are neither artists nor aid workers.

11 Jun 2003 | alisha said...

nice links - thanks.

"But "betterment", come on."

Sometimes it happens. When you get excited about a cause and donate work, its really empowering. These people never would have been able to afford a good website and youve just made it possible for them. Im making an "all expenses paid" trip to Ottawa next week for a conference based on the fact that I donated work. It usually ends up being a great relationship where both sides win and you have the pleasure of knowing you helped make an NGOs cause come out in the open.

"I perfer interface designer."

I use the term Communication Designer with clients. Seems to work well.

"1. I will have all the content from you."

Do you mean in cases where you dont have to provide copy?