Graphic Design

Despite what many people may believe, the visual, graphic presentation of a site is not mere decor to slap on haphazardly after the fact. Good web design is part of the user's experience and his/her interface. Design is no less than an irreplaceable tool to achieve user-friendliness and good communication.

Moreover, my own recent work in the field of visual markers emphasizes the need to communicate credibility, functionality, intended audience and values within a space of 1-2 seconds - a task that only graphic design will accomplish.

How do you choose a good web designer? This is my advice:

1. Ask for a portfolio of web-sites the designer or design bureau has made before.

2. Undertake informal user tests of these web-sites. (In other words, choose a person who could be in the site's audience, but isn't already familiar with the site. Sit down with this person in front of a computer, and explore the site on-screen. Observe your colleague's reactions and navigation.)

3. Ask the following questions:

a) Does the test person immediately and intuitively understand the web-site and whom it is for?

b) Does the test person understand how to complete a few simple tasks that you give him/her on the site (find information, complete a transaction, etc.)?

c) Does the test person find the site attractive, easy to use and generally pleasing?

4. If the answer to those three questions is yes, you have found a good web designer. Congratulations!