Before starting any kind of project (ie. web design, print design, interface design..etc), you must know what the client has running around in their grapes (heads).  You see, from experience, I’ve learned that everyone has the capacity to think that they are a designer or have some kind of creative talent.

The worst offenders are Engineers and IT folk.  Ok, I understand that most engineers are somewhat intelligent in the world of logic and reasoning, and I also understand that IT can be one of the most frustrating and difficult jobs in the world, but guys (and gals) just because you know how to network two rocks, and understand the intricacies of how systems are built - this does not mean that you should be designing the company website.  Stick to the Intranet fellas - no one really cares (with the exception of all your frustrated employees) what the company Intranet looks like. 

So, the moral of the story is this: PLEASE, for the love of 2Advanced, do not ever think you are a designer just because you can engineer the Matrix itself!  Most of you are downright awful!  Leave it up to good designers. 

I came across an article the other day - how good designers (with a sense of usability) can help build the overal functionality of an application. (See article: Rapid Prototyping).

Oh, and did I mentioned that this also goes for all you regular Joes, Sally’s, business owners, CEO’s, Presidents, Managers and even Marketing professionals?  Just because you know your business inside and out - or can build a rocket engine from scratch, or have been in business for over 20 years - please leave it up to someone that knows what the heck they are doing.

SP