How to get inspired for good web design

Decide whether to hire a professional or get down and personal with your project.

Proverbial inspiration can be found everywhere. Good web design draws from a keen eye for beauty in nature and surrounding. We all tend to look toward trendy design, but, that approach also makes us look like a “dime a dozen”.  Therefore, I’d like to give helpful tips to get the creative juices going. Feel free to add your own suggestions.

• Visit museums
• Watch trends in other industries such as fashion and jewelry
• Not only read magazines but also look at the layout and color selection
• Go into nature and study texture and color combinations
• Learn the meanings of colors.
• Learn new exciting programs, such as 3D, Flash and other content creation applications
• Get a sketchbook
• Sing in the shower
• Look at kids drawings and ask questions
• Talk to people older than you
• Visit New York, my favorite inspiration City
• …

vitra museum. When traveling to Europe

Microptera, a rather destructive guy found in my garden

Miami USA

Switzerland

Fashion

Web design on the cheap?

Web design on the cheap can cost you dearly. We all have been there. It hurts to part with the hard earned cash so we cut corners. No matter what the case, maybe a pair of ski boots, paint for the house or a bicycle for your youngster. I don’t have to tell you what potential disappointments the above can represent when they fail. Cheap web design on the other hand makes you look, well, cheap! Not only that, it can ruin your reputation, your image and your hard earned trust. You see, we humans are very visual. Bad web design is hard to explain, but we “feel” it. So please, do yourself a favor and either do it right the first time or wait till you have the cash for a properly designed site. With that said, I have a glass of rich Pinot noir (Swiss of course).

Web design on the cheap can lead to horrid landings.

How to find a web designer

Back in yesteryear every self respectable business needed a fax machine as the essential business tool. In today's time there is virtually no business that can avoid the need to be part of the digital world. That said, I think you have two choices.

1. Have a well designed website or
2. DO NOT have a website presence if your funds are too short to hire a professional.

Please le me explain choice number two. Most people love to browse, sort of like speed dating. They see an attractive site and feel immediately like spending some. Conversely, a badly designed web site casts a bad and lasting reputation on your company. Therefore, first impressions are vital to your success.

How to choose a web designer

First let me explain the people required to design a proper web site.

• Designer - He/she is your creative component. A good designer needs an eye for layout, color, graphics,  illustration  and navigation.
• Website Programmer - The programmer takes the layout from the designer and creates the code to make the site functional. He/she needs to pay close attention so the site becomes expandable in the future. Also, programming can get rather complex when databases are involved. The basic programming language to display static web pages is called HTML, short for Hypertext Markup Language. To make pages dynamic programmers usually use the ASP.NET or PHP programming language.
• Graphic Designer - He/she creates custom graphics for your site. There is a lot to be said about a well designed graphic. It can precisely communicate your message with very little text
• Internet Marketing - Your web site is only as good as it is visible. Internet marketing strategies help to broadcast the good news about your business. The first step is called SEO, search engine optimization, sometimes also referred to as SEM, search engine marketing. The SEO expert works closely with the designer and the programmer as special tags need to be included into your web page.

Full service web design firms also offer

• Consulting - A proper web design firm with seasoned consultants can also act as your business consultant. There are so many dizzying avenues that can lead to your success or demise. You should get a free initial consultation.
• Photography - Product photography can make your merchandise or portfolion shine.
• Hosting - It is comforting to know that your site hosted by the same experts that created it.

Website development tips

1. Do not be seduced by cheap prices. You get what you pay for.
2. Pick a design firm that speaks your language and has your culture
3. Stay within 6 hours of your time zone
4. Be comfortable with the style of the designer
5. Have a clear understanding of what the deliverable is.

SwissLogic web design firm located in USA and Switzerland

SwissLogic
Web Design
Web Development