For many years I have practiced under the assumption that clients like choices. I have frequently run into the problem of a client picking the least strong design or cutting up each design and creating an abomination. Nothing has ever frustrated me more than having a client that doesn’t know what they want, but somehow they know that if they put X, Y, and Z together it is the perfect solution. For the most part I usually caved to these demands from the lingering rule of business: the client is always right. Over the past few months, I realized my view has been completely wrong.

I finally asked myself: Why is this organization hiring me if they have the ability to implement their own design? Then it came to me while searching on the ‘net one day reading through hundreds of other designers complaining that the client is always right model doesn’t work…the fact is, the clients don’t know what they want, and that is why they are hiring me to do the job.

The fact is that anyone - yes, anyone - has the ability to create a web page. However, only graphically (and technically) inclined can create the reality of a company on the web. Most people either don’t have time, energy or the expertise to dive into building the perfect fortress online. That’s where designers come in. It is our job to take the essence of the company and turn it into a visual presence.

So who knows best? Ultimately, the client has the last word - however - if you want to exist in the professional world of design, you must convey your ideas with the utmost integrity and reasoning. Most of us have experienced the web enough to recognize latest trends and assimilate best practices when it comes to constructing an identity online. We (designers) are the professionals. We know what is best. Now, I’m not talking about information and industry specifics in regards to a client. They are obviously the experts in their own field, but we know how to manage their information into an effective marketing presence on the web.

Ok, back to the main point - should we submit multiple designs to a client or one really really good one? There are pros and cons to each. First, multiple designs take time and creative energy. No one likes to sit down and pound out cookie-cutter designs for their clients. So, let’s say we have 3 mockups to submit. Chances are, at least one of these mockups will be weak. The remaining 2 designs will (on average) be extremely similar or completely different. What does this do to the client? Confusion sets in…decisions are made at an inappropriate time…and the verdict is usually less than pleasant for anyone involved. Designers are bombarded by the “can we move this here” or “I like this element on this page, but not this one” can we switch it out?” At first the concerns are understandable and a designer is more than willing to adjust their designs - until - the “suggestions” never end. Due dates are missed, contacts are upset because change X can’t happen if change Y is implemented…many times the situation turns disastrous for everyone involved.

Clients have to have diversity, you say…what if they specifically ask for X number of mockups? Well, obviously if a client is die hard on getting X number of mockups to decide from then we must go that direction. When this is the case, a rationale is required for each mockup to explain why you, as a designer - the professional - created each mockup and what the company can gain by choosing this mockup or that. A good rationale can do more for you than anything else! For those clients that do not specifically ask for any number of mockups, create the best you can possibly pull out of your over-worked designing mind and do nothing but make it better. When a client looks at one design they will immediately know what they do/don’t like about it - and it is much easier to decipher the client’s reservations on one design than on multiples.

How important is accessibility on the web? Until now, it seems most web developers (and designers) have ignored the accessibility issue and dove into fashion over function. Now, with the use of screen readers, magnifiers, and various other tools that help users search the web, accessibility is a huge issue. Unfortunately, technology has also stifled this process.

For instance, WebAIM’s Creating Accessible Macromedia Flash Content section gives an overview of the flaws of flash and also gives alternative solutions. So, what’s the problem? There are ways to get around accessibility and get the certifications and compliance stamps of approval. The problem is time and effort, but also education.

Unfortunately people get lazy, myself included when creating a website or other web paraphernalia. The last thing (literally) I think of is accessibility. And of course, by thinking about it last, it is more difficult to go back through and change all that has been done to be compliant.

Deadlines are also a large part of the problem. Most people in the biz also think of accessibility last and lack the manpower or incentive to make whatever site dot come compliant.

And the solution? Theoretically the solution should be an easy one — plan for accessibility. In a perfect, bland, boring, 1995 world of text only based web pages with an animated GIF thrown here or there, this would not really be an issue. Now, however, with the advent of Flash, PDF, bad OCR, pretty pictures, music and whatnot on the web, things can get a little difficult.

So, people are lazy…the real issue is lack of education. The first time I had even thought about accessibility was not too long ago, and now it seems to be a priority to figure out how to work that into everything I design. I don’t think the majority of designers out there think too deeply about it, or even know what it is and the ones that do, are the ones that must for their specific company. I do admit with the research I have conducted recently there seems to be a bigger buzz about it now more than ever, and it looks like things are moving in the right direction.

There are a plethora of websites out there with information regarding standards and compliance. I’m not going to name them all, but here are the big ones:
W3C Web Accessibility Initiative
WebAIM Web Accessibility in Mind
Section 508
Adobe Accessibility Resource Center

There are just as many examples of accessible web sites currently in existence. (and again, I’m not going to list them all, but this one is a great example):  J.K. Rowling Official Website

I ran across something today that I found interesting. I am sure, at one time or another, everyone has seen this: (or something close to it)

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Suspendisse ac risus ut velit vestibulum dignissim. Integer in magna. Donec ut est sed diam luctus ultrices. Quisque pretium fringilla nisi. Praesent interdum. Morbi est. Fusce tincidunt mauris non purus. Proin sollicitudin est et ligula. Phasellus pharetra magna eu pede. Suspendisse potenti. 

I am also fairly certain that many have looked at it and thought “What the heck is that, and is it a real language, is it saying something?” (My boss asked me that once.) Anyway, apparently, Lorem Ipsum text has quite the history, dating back to 45 BC. Our beloved philosopher buddy Cicero is the originator of the (once thought) nonsensical text. His book, “de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum” (The Extremes of Good and Evil), contains the culprit text, which happened to be discovered by a Latin professor out of Virginia.

Ok, so I’m not going to steal the thunder from the people who are behind my little lesson of the day, so you can read up on this topic at Lorem Ipsum - All the Facts and while you’re at it, generate your own Lorem Ipsum!

The actual nonsensical text apparently was originated around the 1500s and was used much like we use it today, as filler text. And, believe it or not, there is a method behind the madness. Designers and layout artists have been filling pages with lorem ipsum for the right reason - text distracts viewers from design elements and layout. If a person is able to view and understand the text shown to them, they are visually attracted to those particular areas. So, it really does have a purpose…it is responsible for allowing designers to show a final product to a client, or respective authority without attention given where it need not be.

For more info on the Lorem Ipsum riddle, check out:Wikipedia: Lorem Ipsum.

Self promotion and self marketing are the most important things you can do for your business. Many companies and freelancers still believe that their website will work for them. Rarely does this happen (for many reasons). Many companies know nothing about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and fewer - those that do know about the importance of SEO - cannot afford to pay an outside company to optimize for them, so, in a nutshell, their website gets poor rankings. My point is not to get off the subject with SEO techniques, I will leave that for another day. Still, if you want to get noticed, promotion is the way to go. Whitepapers, press releases and newsletters are great ways to draw attention to yourself.

So, maybe you are a small business, consisting of one employee. The words “white paper” and “press release” may seem scary and too much for a small company to take on. The truth of the matter is that these are creations that have little to no monetary investment. If you can write, you can create these documents.

There are many articles written on writing white papers and press releases. For a nice run down of what a white paper should contain, take a look at Study Guides and Strateges:Writing:Whitepapers.

Though white papers are meant for divulging what a technology, product or service and do for potential clients, press releases are something entirely different. Press releases can be used for just about anything - new product launches, a website re-design, any type of interesting news about your company. For instance, lets say you are a freelance web designer and you landed a new project. Create a press release that co-incides with the launch of your client’s website. The benefit is two-fold. You advertise your client’s new site, and also yourself as a vendor for design. After you write the press release, you can post it on a release forum such as Click2Newsites or Pressbox.co.uk. There are many more out there, and this is an easy way to educate people about your company and services you provide.

In addition to white papers and press releases, newsletters are another easy way to get noticed - and, if you offer an area for subscriptions on your website, you can easily build your own marketing database the legal way. A newsletter is a good way to feature not only your company and services, but also your expertise. In a newsletter you can discuss current trends in your field in addition to discussing services or other company news. The sky is the limit on this one. By opening up to your clients (or potential clients) you are creating a sense of security by letting them in on your business. Newsletters are also a pretty good way of networking with other companies in your industry. You would be surprised how many graphic designers look at the competition for advice and inspiration.

Now you have some basic tools at your disposal - get out there and sell yourself!