Blog 4

The blog calls for answers about keeping a creative spark as well as a few general tips. As I searched through several of the blogs, I realized I was actively taking part of what the majority of the blogs suggested we all do as developers/designers.
A few of the tips that I can reflect on from my readings consist of (1) Utilize your available space. Don't cram your images and text into a mess on your web page. It will look unorganized and give off a bad vibe to the viewers. At first glance, if it appears to complex or complicated, most people will simple use the click of the mouse to get to the next site. By allowing yourself the proper amount of spacing between your letters, the size of your text and images, and the organization and style, you will create something that will ease the mind of those viewing your site. This leads me to the next tip I focused on. (2) Be different! Use different styles and techniques that allow your site to be set apart from others. The elements you choose to represent your site should vary in relation to your other competition, yet it should still remain relevant to the personality that is being displayed on your site. The design of the site should help emphasize the meaning of the message. For example, if you have a business you are trying to promote via the website, you should choose to design it in a way that is easy for your followers to view and yet gives new viewers an idea of what your reputation is. One last tip that was pretty particular was the usage of the cursor changing its icon when it hovers a link. From personal experiences on websites, I would much rather prefer to have my cursor change its icon when I know that there is a link that can be clicked. If the cursor doesn't change, then I am unaware that I am able to utilize a link that is sitting right in front of me. It helps clear up any confusions about the sites capabilities. While being diverse in your style is one thing, being consistent with the trends is another. Some additional information that I found through reading several blogs brought the knowledge of how to keep your creative spark when being a designer. A few of the techniques that have been mentioned was to blog your learning experiences. Just as I have blogged about my new learned tips, this is a great way to reflect on the knowledge you have gained and to create definitions in your own words for others to read up on. Another factor to think about is remaining up to date with technology and its changing capabilities. With the quick advancements that are made in our "techy" world these days its not enough to just stay caught up. In order to truly succeed in the professional world of design you must get ahead. You have to take that leadership role and work what you already know into something you can warp from your past experiences and knowledge. You've got to do the research by reading up on others blogs to see how they take an approach on design and then trying to figure out how you'd put your own spin on it. Along with reading blogs, make sure to read books, magazines, newspaper articles, actively watch TV and advertisements. All of these efforts contribute to being familiar with your competition and the drive of a market that thrives off of design. Other things to take into consideration while you are exercising your creative design skills in the cost of the design, the speed of your site, and the quality you provide to your viewers. While the blog I read stated that we can only truly obtain two of the three factors, it is possible to find a balance. Among the three qualities that I just mentioned, there will be a variation in how much of each aspect will get put into a design. (e.g. 2/3 Speed, 1/3 quality, 0 cost) depending on the companies intentions of the design.
The best way to start your design is to do your homework on the competitors, designs, and trends, and then find out what route benefits your site in its best interest for your viewers. -TM