...on Ben the Bodyguard and Interactive Design

I too like the Ben site, but I have to agree with nilsgeylen somewhat, that it’s not really ‘interactive’ as we’ve come to understand it by today’s standards.  I do however feel that it is very ‘engaging’, which is quite difficult to do these days.  I for one, have become a very impatient web user - if I can’t see what I’m looking for immediately or don’t like the ‘experience’, I get frustrated and quickly move on, sometimes to my detriment.  With this site, even though it wasn’t something I was particularly interested in, I actually completed ‘the journey’ (and read the content!), simply because it was different & engaging. 

I think that’s the challenge these days, to make sites more engaging.  If using newer technologies, where appropriate (always where appropriate, not just for the sake of it!) helps do that, then I think that’s a good thing.  Which brings me to Scrivs point:

‘I think it just requires a lot more thought and imagination than what the people behind these websites are used to. Most websites are based off of examples of websites already out there and we are talking about stuff that might not even exist yet.’

It’s like couture to high street.  From time to time designers can get away with doing funky, cutting edge, amazing sites, but those opportunities are few and far between, in business anyway.  But it’s those sites that help lead the way to where we’re going.  Our challenge is to knowing what and when to use the extras, and managing to incorporate them seamlessly into more every day applications.  That’s where the ‘thought and imagination’ comes in, and that’s what makes the web exciting - to me anyway.

With regard to the more personalised experience nilsgeylen is talking about.  How do you guys feel about that?  Me, I find it a bit creepy when ‘relevant’ stuff pops up without me asking…  It’s like someone trying to befriend you by reading your biog - in the movies, that always comes just before the sinister plot ;)

...on Re: Startups - I wish someone would have told me!

@Grant - you’re welcome.  Sounds like you have a good solid foundation, you’d be surprised how many agencies don’t.  And thanks also for your advice re blogs & twitter, I’ll check it out.

Good luck & stay positive!

...on Every Site Doesn't Need to be Like Facebook

I’ve just written a huge comment on ‘Are Web Designers the Step Children of the Design World’ (so I’ll keep this short), but I think echoenduring’s comments about ‘functionality that is specifically aimed at solving a distinct problem or supporting a particular purpose’, hits the nail on the head as to what good web design should do.  Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to reinvent the wheel, but ultimately its about what’s appropriate for the brief. 

I definitely agree with astarkcontrast, that it’s the role of web professionals to educate.  Clients don’t always understand the web and it’s far easier to point at something that works and say ‘I want that’.  Understanding why it works is much harder, that’s where we come in - if a rehash of Facebook isn’t appropriate, it’s our role to present the alternative and educate as to why.  Sometimes educating can be fun!

...on Are Web Designers the Step Children of the Design World?

Interesting discussion - and strangely saddening at times…

Apols upfront, I’m a self proclaimed internet evangelist.  I love it because it’s ever evolving, and whether we realise it or not, it has had an impact on so many areas of our lives.  You may not even be online for it to affect you, but when online activity, be it via social networking, a viral, online communities, etc have an affect on something in the real world - then it’s affect can’t be denied.  What’s more, as the tech and people’s ideas evolve, and people from different disciplines get involved, we look at new ways to utilise it - it’s mind boggling.  I’m with ChristianBoyle - ‘I can’t imagine another area of design with more current value and potential than the web.’ 

You can see by that little ‘rant’, I’m looking at the big picture, but I also love destiny’s point that it impacts on a much lower level.  Personally, I don’t care if one brand of chocolate outsells another, be it down to amazing packaging design or a great web campaign.  But if a well designed website helps you get a book deal or achieve any other goal, then score!  There’s no other medium that can so easily be influenced by the masses/individuals, nor has the breadth to influence on a mass or personal level - I think that’s great.

Going back to the original question ‘Are Web Designers the Step Children of the Design World?’, I think it depends very much on who you talk to - clearly.  Let’s not forget that the internet is a fairly new medium.  Other forms of design have history and tradition, often with barriers that exclude such as education, money, privilege, etc.  Their history gives them status, their forms are established and unquestioned.  Web design doesn’t have that yet, and with it’s inclusiveness, probably never will - and that’s the way it should be for it to continue evolving.  However, just because you can knock a website together, does not make you a web designer.  Likewise, having done amazing offline work, in my opinion doesn’t necessarily make you a good online designer either.  Good web design most definitely requires skill and understanding, not just in what it looks like, but in so many areas; usability, accessibility, technology,  environment, etc, etc.  That’s a lot to juggle - to do it well, takes skill.

True, I wouldn’t want my architect turning up with a diy book and some crayons, but I wouldn’t want that from my web designer either.  Good design is good design, and some of the best is that which we barely even notice. 

I’m getting dizzy now, so I’m getting off my soapbox…

...on Re: Startups - I wish someone would have told me!

Hi, I’m new to this site and new to chatting on forums really, but I’ve read loads of posts on here and from what I’ve read, everyone seems friendly, honest and level headed, so it seems like a great place to start!

@Grant - congrats on starting your business.  My advice to you, is keep yourself organised from the very beginning.  You sound like you made a great start - I don’t think there’s any particularly right way to organise your projects, as long as you organise them in a way that makes sense, and not just to you - you may employ others in the future.  Trust me, it will save you SO much time and frustration down the line, when you look for something and know exactly where it is and which version you want (version control & archiving!).  You wouldn’t believe the number of places I’ve worked where this isn’t the case - especially important if, as Scrivs says, you have the responsibility of big success. 
Also it’s worth keeping a track of how much time you spend on each project (especially if you’re not charging by the hr), you don’t have to be a slave to it, but it’s good to know and will help you when estimating.

@dbanksdesign, you mentioned mentors.  I’m hoping to launch a business soon and have been thinking about finding a mentor.  Do you have any advice re this??  I don’t know anyone doing quite what I’m planning, but there are similar experiences out there, I just don’t know where to start.

And last but not least…boy, I wish I’d got it together sooner!!