Every designer or developer has heard it before. The project is complete and the client is happy… “except…” says the client, “I have one small change”. We smile, and say “no problem” knowing that the profitability of this project has just gone down the drain. One small change for the client is often one large headache for the designer. Continue reading…
Design
On Color: Purple…
Purple is a complex color. Drawing on the sensuality of red and the tranquility of blue, this color is often preferred by creatives and eccentrics. Purple is less often found in nature than other primary/secondary colors and thus is perceives with a certain level of uniqueness. It is regal, and spiritual, mysterious and relaxing. A great attention getter, purple is often a favorable selection when red or blue seem too predictable. Symbolic of royalty, purple often lends a sense of greater perceived value. It has a futuristic quality which also speaks well when attempting to communicate “newness”. Purple has very spiritual undertones. It is often seen connected to “new age” thinking and is often used to communicate magical properties.
On redesigning your website…
Thinking it’s time to refresh your website? Do your customers and yourself a favor by taking a page out of the Agile Development Methodology. Rather than spending months on a complete redevelopment, approach your website redesign with a customer focused, evolution. Sit down with your web designer/developer on a monthly or quarterly basis and take a look at how you can introduce small changes into your website to help promote usability, readability, interaction or conversion rates. Set achievable goals that can be implemented and tested before your next web development meeting.
Making small changes over an extended period of time will allow you to see exactly how the changes you make are affecting your business on the web. You can focus on providing your users with content and usability that will improve their experience without investing loads of cash on a complete redevelopment which you may find doesn’t meet your user’s needs.
On Color: Black…
Black is the color of sophistication and power. Naturally we associate black with the darkness of night, hidden mysteries, and in many cultures, mourning. Black expresses both drama and elegance and has long been an expression of sophistication. Black communicates potency and longevity, and when used in combination with other colors, serves as the perfect backdrop, pushing its companions to the front. And of course there is nothing more classic, communicating both strength and clarity, than the eternal opposites of black and white.
On Color: Blue…
Blue is the color of water and sky. It surrounds us and is perceived as a reliable constant. Banks and financial institutions lean on blue heavily for its ability to project dependability and inspire confidence. Blue is soothing, releasing chemicals in our brains which act as a tranquilizer. Blue promotes mental concentration and is an excellent choice for environments which aim to convey a relaxing, “meditative” mood.