Are you a Designer or a Constructor?
Posted on 22 May, 2009 at 13:09 PM
There are already 13 Comments
About the Show
David asks you guys out there whether you think you are a designer or a constructor.
Do you have the eureka moment or are you like David who slowly constructs each page and design that he does?
We asking YOU the question, so please share your thoughts.
Related Shows
- (11) Episode 189 - Using Inspiration Effectively
- (21) Episode 187 - Design with the Lights On
- (16) Episode 186 - Apples and Oranges
- (15) Episode 185 - Design like a Dictator
- (8) Episode 179 - It's All About Themes
User Comments
Brad C 22 May, 2009 15:18:43 PM
Good question. Every project requires some of both. I like to think I'm a designing, but I'm always pulling in effects and details from other sources of inspiration.
Lately I've been working a lot more from wireframes before I start designing. A lot of the construction happens in that stage. Figuring out the hierarchy of the content before jumping into Photoshop. By the time I start the design I really have a rough idea of the layout so I'm not moving things around nearly as much, I'm just designing the site. That also lets me spend more of the allocated hours for any given project to experimenting and trying new things.
Robin 22 May, 2009 15:25:08 PM
I don't quite think it's all that black and white. I believe, design is a process driven exercises, moulding appealing elements into a unique composition to reflect the desired intention of the work (Construction).
Painting is no different. Most painters (Including myself), plot and plan a composition, draw together one or more techniques, textures or effects - again in an effort to achieve a unique composition with intention (Construction).
I don't want to get too specific, but design is popularly defined as 'the process of originating and developing a plan for a product, structure, system, or component with intention' {Wikipedia :-) }. This also sounds a bit like construction.
The kapow moment you're talking about might more accurately be defined as inspiration, creativity and maybe a rare touch of genius, resulting in a completely original peace of work (Painted, graphic art or music). This is the difference between good and great work. It is what we all hope for and very seldom experience :-(
StewWest 22 May, 2009 15:44:40 PM
Hey there FTCs! Thanks for the cool weekful of inspirations and ideas.
If we're talking in the two terms of Designer/Constructor, I would say that I'm a constructor with a designedge...
I like to know how the inner workings of sites work, with the design element very much a part of that, cause without the skeleton, da meat falls off, so both very important and work together...which is one of the reasons why I love to collab with other designers/developers - besides learning loads from others...
As far as creating new things...I must admit I often get inspired by something I've seen, and then try to make my own from scratch...I have a love hate relationship with design...I often put too much in one basket...my wife keeps telling me to take my pencil and paper and make several designs, but I generally leave my "editor" on, and process edit the whole thing....coming up with one design at the end, which has been through many adaptations....etc...problem then is when the client doesn't really get it...hmmmf. Also, there's the part of getting the "backend" to do what the front end is pointing you towards...does that even make sense...?
Well, enough from me, I'm taking up the page!
Rock on, from the couch!
kardozin 22 May, 2009 15:49:20 PM
most of times I'm a constructor, but basically based on some really rough draft image in my head. But I've never done anything purely from a eureka idea. I'm like David Carson, just throwing elements and watching what happens.
Justin Leaf-Wrightq 22 May, 2009 15:59:57 PM
Hi Guys,
Constructor Full Out...
Short and sweet answer..chow
kyle steed 22 May, 2009 17:10:02 PM
@BradC makes an excellent point in that every project requires some of both. I know on a weekly basis, here at my job, I am constantly using both sides of my brain. Even within one day I might be coming up with new creative designs for a website and then structuring the code of the pages.
Overall though I think of myself as a creative person. And within that lies both responsibilities of designing and constructing. But we don't learn it all at once, do we? Thankfully we have our whole lives to perfect our trade, and learn from others along the way.
Thanks guys.
E to the M 22 May, 2009 17:53:21 PM
I definitely feel like I fall into the category of constructor. True there uis a design that is my initial catalyst but I usually start with a vague idea and a rough wireframe before anything else. The design for me is usually borne out of the construction. It's not always efficient. I'll sometimes have the construction almost done only to have a moment of design inspiration. Then I start over.
David Perel 22 May, 2009 19:32:04 PM
I agree with what everyone is saying, I think that in a way we are all a bit of both. I just had to ask the question because it has been driving me crazy lately.
I think my place in this argument clicked with two of our recent client projects. I really struggled with the blank page and kept on trying to think of a solution to nothingness. The key is that you cant let that get to you, you have to start from somewhere.
So I drew a line, and I started using that line for EVERYTHING. The next thing I knew was that I had a pretty good base to work on.
And it was at that moment where I had to ask you guys if I was not alone.
Thanks so much for all your awesome feedback! Its great to see you taking the time to leave your thoughts on our site :)
Rob MacKay 23 May, 2009 01:34:24 AM
Now I think for me it depends... because I kinda have 2 sides to my coin as to say.
Firstly I think design and construction are very closely linked. I think there are many areas of design... there is a lot of design for example in the way the construction takes place. Example, when I layout a site, I am designing the way the user will interact with it. Then weather or not I was inspired to create something pretty from another site, I have to design the look and feel of the site to match the UI needs.
When I am in Photoshop, or illustrator, creating the wire frame/layout or mock up I am designing exactly what I think needs to happen when the user lands on the page, the construction is the realisation and solidification of that vision.
Being arty I think is sometimes something completely different, it all depends on what you are doing. In being arty I could paint a wonderful picture, but I wouldn't be able to create a beautiful website, because I can't design that way. I see art and design as somewhat separate, and that sometimes people are lucky enough to be arty and designy at the same time.
On that note its also easier I feel to learn design than it is to become arty. And with that most of the time people who are arty can design, because they understand the idea of balance, and say how to take the viewers eye through the journey of the artistic creation they have made.
So - Design and Construction, in web design, are extremely closely linked. Just because you don't have an epiphany doesn't mean you cant design. Most design happens in stages, with mock up after mock up tweaked and changed, tuned to perfection. Granted sometimes people do wake up with an idea the size of an elephant in their heads, but normally its great design comes through a process of evolution.
Take this site for example, you claim to be more of a constructor, yet you have designed the layout of this site perfectly for its needs. Its exactly what a video blog should be you have your content right at the top of the page, one click and you are watching the latest show. Your site bar is excellently placed because people come here to see a video blog, but with most of the English speaking world reading left to right you almost force the visibility of the site navigation with your important links simple methods of how to contact and so on. Its bang on.
Now THAT is design.
Personally myself I have a mix of ideas growing from inspiration, and sudden epiphanies, but mostly through experience I gain from creating each site, experimenting or doing tuts in my design progs. I also see the fact that I HAVE to think as a constructor, or understand being a constructor to design properly - and vice-versa. My design is based on my knowledge of XHTML/CSS and now jQuery as to HOW the site is going to actually work, and whether certain things are possible or not.
In Vinyl design, its kinda the same - I am fixed to the fact that I can only design in vector, I have to create a cuttable path and figure out how to best cut a 1200mm wide design out of 610mm wide of vinyl... its too closely linked I think to see the join.
Design needs construction as much as construction needs design. If you are more arty than most, good for you, but good design is as much about usability and interaction as it is creating the next gradient effect trend.
:)
Great question btw - and great responces.
Dixie Live 23 May, 2009 17:18:01 PM
I am not professionally educated in website design or construction,,, have learned it all by trial and error but I personally think it all goes together. Usually I think of the design elements that correspond with the type of website, the business or the personality, then I build it according to how the ppl that will visit it would use it. Does that make sense ?
Biill Kelley 24 May, 2009 15:55:46 PM
Constructor or Designer...hmmm... I would say that I am a bit of both. However as an employer, I separate the two classifications into web developer (someone who has a strong use of programming languages, can utilze simple graphics tools to create simple layouts if necessary) from Web Designer(Someone who can work with advanced graphic utilities, with or without the use of add-ons, to create advanced works of art for both web and print, they also should have a strong sense of color theory and typology). This concept of constructor or designer is not new, but is well appreciated that someone is validating my views. Thanks for your thought. Much appreciated.
Gavin 31 May, 2009 14:00:37 PM
Hey guys,
Interesting topic. I'd say I am much the constructor but then I'd say I'd have to be a designer and a constructor.
Usually I play around with a design in my head, sketch it out and then jump into photoshop. I usually look like I'm getting somewhere then change it all and its usually the amended version which flicks my switch.
Everyone is different though.
Gavin
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Jessel 22 May, 2009 14:34:02 PM
most of the time - i'd be a constructor - but they are times when constructing is not good enough - and you need to sit down and let the imagination flow - to create a design - i guess for me - its a case of them working together - 2 becoming 1 - later days