What's Killing Web Design?

January 15. 2009 05:00

I think there's also another angle to the hampering of good/great web design; the high availability of drop-in solutions combined with the ever-increasing, spoon-fed delivery of so many things (like social media, for instance) to all end-users. Given that, people come to expect less and less innovative design... so, in the end, they get just that. The upshot is that those who can survive this generalization and continue to set themselves apart will become clear leaders, once again, in design and in presentation.

Jonathan Keys

January 15. 2009 05:08

With respect to open source solutions such as WordPress vs. full-blown CMS solutions (which WordPress is evolving more and more toward), it obviously depends on the scope, budget and needs of the project at hand. Your post eludes to the fact that large websites like Amazon wouldn't dare think of WordPress as a solution for powering their website- which is very much the case; however, I believe the key is to utilize as many solutions as needed to get the job done. While many large websites wouldn't dare use WordPress to power their entire site, they ARE using it as a platform for news feeds and updates (CNN's Political Ticker is powered by WordPress, for example).

I think those that will be set apart in the web development world will be the companies (or individuals) that can leverage the most logical solutions collectively to get the job done. The beauty of these blogging engines and CMS platforms is the lack of limitations and ease of manipulation that allows developers to implement rich content and 'skin' the site in such a way that with very little effort one would never notice what it is making the site tick all without limiting content and effectiveness.

I don't believe there's anything killing web design (understanding the title was completely intentional), but I DO believe that 'old school' web designers and developers that refuse to learn the latest trends, techniques and available solutions will be the ones who meet their demise. I am always mindful of the fact that if I'm not offering the latest and greatest, in the most affordable and efficient way possible then there's probably some nerdy kid down the street that will be soon enough.

Thanks for the post Brian.

Brad Summey

January 15. 2009 08:33

As a designer, I couldn't agree more. Great post!
(And no, we definitely are not dead.)

Ken Forst

February 5. 2009 12:26

Interesting post, tbh I didn't think anything 'was' killing web design before reading this article, so it's certainly opened my eyes!

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March 31. 2009 00:26

Web design is the skill of designing presentations of content that is delivered to an end-user through the World Wide Web, by way of a Web browser or other Web-enabled software like Internet television clients, microblogging clients and RSS readers.

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April 5. 2009 06:34

Many websites still boast truly innovative design and functionality that's hardly even close to being supported by a blog engine or other online templated services.

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April 12. 2009 15:32

Advances in free open source software also limit the flexibility of design/development. Why pay when it's free.
Have you explored the fact that "it's already been done". Maybe that's why it's so difficult to design a new website?

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April 23. 2009 20:48

Good post.I think those that will be set apart in the web development world will be the companies (or individuals) that can leverage the most logical solutions collectively to get the job done. The beauty of these blogging engines and CMS platforms is the lack of limitations and ease of manipulation that allows developers to implement rich content and 'skin' the site in such a way that with very little effort one would never notice what it is making the site tick all without limiting content and effectiveness.

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May 17. 2009 18:18

The upshot is that those who can survive this generalization and continue to set themselves apart will become clear leaders, once again, in design and in presentation.

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May 19. 2009 03:44

As the internet gets older, there becomes more and more ways to be lazy at web development. Drupal is a good tool, but it emphasizes using premade templates and modules that simplify all the work.

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May 26. 2009 18:27

The talent in web designing shouldn't be affected with new technologies arising.

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June 1. 2009 00:21

I have tried getting the local designers to make changes in some WordPress themes but to my surprise they are not very familiar with WordPress and how it is coded. Designers have to really good with the CMS solutions because it is a lot more than designing a template.

Wills

June 1. 2009 22:40

I think you still need a web designer with flair who can use a template/skin and give it a unique feel.

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June 7. 2009 10:43

It is very true that "web design" is changing. In the late 90's, websites tended to look like a word document with a bunch of crappy animated gifs and a badly-tiled, 16-bit background. Website have changed drastically since then, and moving forward, it doesn't look like the dynamic will end any time in the near future. From easy-to-use blog platforms, to newer technologies like Flash, things are changing...for the better, i hope.

Chris from AB Web Design, LLC

June 28. 2009 23:10

I have tried getting the local designers to make changes in some WordPress themes but to my surprise they are not very familiar with WordPress and how it is coded. Designers have to really good with the CMS solutions because it is a lot more than designing a template.

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June 30. 2009 19:57

Very thought provoking article. As the designer of a few dating sites, I have learned that working off of templates is usually the best way to do things. I find that's easier though than trying to design with constraints as you mention, such as designing templates for blogengine, joomla, or even wordpress. I think that people who know how to design skins or templates for these type technologies are usually more knowledgeable about css and other design stuff than people who don't work with these technologies.

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July 4. 2009 04:19

I am not much of a guy who thinks in so deeply about web design but I think your post had some valid points in it. Like designers are forced to design stuff within the limited code available and not go beyond it, their innovation is somewhat limited but still I think Web Design won't die! I agree that Amazon and other some big sites won't have a blog but now a days it's very important to have some sort of option available so people can quickly communicate their thoughts. I think Amazon if wants to shift it to that, they can get a customized CMS for themselves.

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July 4. 2009 17:24

Designers are communicators. They put their technical and artistics skills to deliver a message a purpose, a project throught a web page, a magazine, an object, etc. Their designs serve a purpose. Some designers are artists because they put their technical and artistic skills to make a piece of art. But in this case there is no purpose, is just the need of a self expression and the compulsion to create. One person can be an artist and a designer, but when is designing is just a designer and when is creating with no goal just for the pleasure or torment to create then is just an artist. I also think that good designing is an art... but is not Art.

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July 5. 2009 22:37

Any n00b can pick up a wordpress theme and go to town.  It's getting very hard these days to make a living in design work.

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July 6. 2009 05:26

you can always find a way to survive- just need to develop new design skills.

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July 12. 2009 09:21

Hi,
  Social networking, media sharing, community-based content creation and voting – all of these  have grown in intensity and popularity to the point where they may collectively, if not individually, influence a person’s or organization’s online presence more than single-channel modes of communication such as blogs.

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July 12. 2009 21:02

I am not much of a guy who thinks in so deeply about web design but I think your post had some valid points in it. Like designers are forced to design stuff within the limited code available and not go beyond it..

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July 14. 2009 10:59

he beauty of these blogging engines and CMS platforms is the lack of limitations and ease of manipulation that allows developers to implement rich content and 'skin

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July 14. 2009 22:51

Probably I need to know much of the web design. I believe the key is to utilize as many solutions as needed to get the job done. While many large websites wouldn't dare use WordPress to power their entire site, they ARE using it as a platform for news feeds and updates. Thanks,

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July 20. 2009 06:50

I used to be busy in surfing with net for my blog or website. I want to collect a themes or ideas for my blog. Thanks for the useful information and also soon, i will come here to see the development

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July 26. 2009 14:00

Your post eludes to the fact that large websites like Amazon wouldn't dare think of WordPress as a solution for powering their website- which is very much the case; however, I believe the key is to utilize as many solutions as needed to get the job done.

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August 1. 2009 07:31

This looks really great. Many large websites wouldn't dare use WordPress to power their entire site, they ARE using it as a platform for news feeds and updates

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August 1. 2009 20:26

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regards,

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August 3. 2009 07:41

There are certainly a lot more details to take into consideration, but thanks for sharing.

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August 4. 2009 16:52

Probably I need to know much of the web design. I believe the key is to utilize as many solutions as needed to get the job done. While many large websites wouldn't dare use WordPress to power their entire site, they ARE using it as a platform for news feeds and updates

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August 6. 2009 12:37

The appearance of the  graphics and text should include a single style that flows throughout, to show consistency. Probably I need to know much of the web design .Thanks for this great and wonderful post i appreciate it thanks for sharing i learn something new today

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August 7. 2009 20:12

This looks really great. Many large websites wouldn't dare use WordPress to power their entire site, they ARE using it as a platform for news feeds and updates

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August 9. 2009 16:53

Nice post pal. I would have to agree with you,but not with everything you've said. Web Design is not dying. It is just evolving. Innovating, to keep up with the trends.

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August 12. 2009 11:06

Your post eludes to the fact that large websites like Amazon wouldn't dare think of WordPress as a solution for powering their website- which is very much the case; however, I believe the key is to utilize as many solutions as needed to get the job done.

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August 14. 2009 16:43

Many large websites wouldn't dare use WordPress to power their entire site.ThIs site looks great. One of the few sites I waited and waited around to see- awesome work.I liked the post..

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August 18. 2009 18:19

I just love the quote - "Some will embrace these technologies and some won't - and those that do will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine" - I think it's sum everything.

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August 23. 2009 06:12

I think those that will be set apart in the web development world will be the companies (or individuals) that can leverage the most logical solutions collectively to get the job done. The beauty of these blogging engines and CMS platforms is the lack of limitations and ease of manipulation that allows developers to implement rich content and 'skin' the site in such a way that with very little effort one would never notice what it is making the site tick all without limiting content and effectiveness.

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August 23. 2009 12:14

The beauty of these blogging engines and CMS platforms is the lack of limitations and ease of manipulation that allows developers to implement rich content and 'skin' the site in such a way that with very little effort one would never notice what it is making the site tick all without limiting content and effectiveness.

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August 24. 2009 07:09

I am completely agree with you. Some free company makes free template. Most of the people using this free template for their site. Which is really trouble for a web designer. Creativity become vanish.

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August 25. 2009 22:21

Building websites has never been easier now. Even platforms such as Dreamweaver and Flash are made such user friendly that your ideas are just a few clicks away from becoming a reality.

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August 25. 2009 23:10

I am always mindful of the fact that if I'm not offering the latest and greatest, in the most affordable and efficient way possible then there's probably some nerdy kid down the street that will be soon enough.

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August 26. 2009 09:32

I'm very happy we have tools like Word Press. Infinitely customizable and robust, it allows designers to focus more on UI and branding and less on how to implement a specific piece of code.I think it makes us better designers and enhances the value of skill set even more. Nothing's sadder than a default skin. Somebody still has to make these off the shelf CMS come alive.

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August 27. 2009 10:08

Great article. I personally have embraced the new technologies and the CMS platforms, I think the new tools only make the web designs better. I am glad that new technologies are coming out in web design that make things easier, improved, and better looking for design. thanks.

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August 27. 2009 15:23

Web design is evolving and what we are going to see in the next five years will be amazing!!

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August 28. 2009 12:20

CMS actually enhances the value of web designers. Nothing is sadder than the default template. Somebody has to make these CMS's shine.

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August 30. 2009 18:19

Very impressive. Even platforms such as Dreamweaver and Flash are made such user friendly that your ideas are just a few clicks away from becoming a reality.
Regards,

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August 30. 2009 18:59

great post , really good perspective on the subject and very well written, this certainly has put a spin on my day, many thanks from the UK and keep up the good work

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August 31. 2009 09:08

People who want to design his/her web site they should change their mind from free use template.

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August 31. 2009 09:12

People who want to design his/her web site they should change their mind from free use template.

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September 1. 2009 01:30

fast changing web designing techniques is creating an innovation as always.

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September 4. 2009 14:36

CMS platforms web designing techniques giving a platforms such as Dreamweaver and Flash. This is what make to work more easy in it.

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September 4. 2009 14:41

That is very true!! "The sharper the tool, the more important the talent." I regularly do upgrade of my tools. And now i get best results for my web designs.

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September 7. 2009 01:37

People who want to design his/her web site they should change their mind from free use template.

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September 7. 2009 13:49

How would amazon work from a wordpress platform? Wordpress is for blogging and amazon is online auction..

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September 10. 2009 12:25

I'm very happy we have tools like Word Press. Infinitely customizable and robust, it allows designers to focus more on UI and branding and less on how to implement a specific piece of code.

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September 11. 2009 12:27

Web templates kills our creativity thus kills web design ?

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September 20. 2009 10:42

With the enhancement of technology, there are really lots of tools that a designer can use in order to make a good web design.. Thanks for sharing this thought of yours.. I really enjoy reading your post.

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September 25. 2009 19:29

not so bad. there will be a step forward then out-beating templates

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September 25. 2009 19:42

fast changing web designing techniques is creating an innovation as always.

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September 26. 2009 02:00

Building websites has never been easier now. Even platforms such as Dreamweaver and Flash are made such user friendly that your ideas are just a few clicks away from becoming a reality.

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October 2. 2009 00:35

Web templates kills our creativity thus kills web design ?

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October 2. 2009 02:02

. Infinitely customizable and robust, it allows designers to focus more on UI and branding and less on how to implement a specific piece of code.

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October 3. 2009 03:32

I'm very happy we have tools like Word Press. Infinitely customizable and robust, it allows designers to focus more on UI and branding and less on how to implement a specific piece of code.

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October 3. 2009 14:15

Web designing is really "IN" nowadays. I really trying to study all the basic HTML and JavaScript to create my own site.. By the way, thanks for sharing this information.. It will help a lot..

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October 5. 2009 22:47

This site blog article provide  Good design is still the same as it always was - just because someone can use these tools and "off the shelf" skins to create a website doesn't mean they should - the sharper the tool, the more important the talent.

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October 6. 2009 23:58

The beauty of these blogging engines and CMS platforms is the lack of limitations and ease of manipulation that allows developers to implement rich content and 'skin' the site in such a way that with very little effort one would never notice what it is making the site tick all without limiting content and effectiveness.

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October 25. 2009 01:18

I also think that these applications manufacturers websites, management systems can be a major threat to web designers, but I think like most professions the best and will surely prosper good future in this area. After all there is always need to create new projects, unique and personalized. Excellent article!

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November 22. 2009 03:33

will maybe, but i don't use any template as the same look that i purchased whatever it's for, if to wordpress joomla or others. I always make the template unique for me.

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December 10. 2009 17:05

I also agree with what Jonathan said.

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December 20. 2009 12:34

Agreed with Jonathan

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December 28. 2009 03:13

I don't think webdesign is dying as such, this is the computer age and as such the goalposts move all the time. I will take on board your comments for my TV to PC site http://watchlivetv-online.com

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January 4. 2010 09:33

Thank you for the good suggestions

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January 5. 2010 22:43

Cost are killing webdesign. As more people use generic templates and modify them the designs look less and less innovative.

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January 10. 2010 08:39

thanks for the nice post... The talent in web designing shouldn't be affected with new technologies arising.

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January 11. 2010 09:27

the lack of limitations and ease of manipulation that allows developers to implement rich content and 'skin' the site in such a way that with very little effort one would never notice what it is making the site tick all without limiting content and effectiveness.

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