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.

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.