Five Misconceptions about Web Design and Web Designers

I'm not sure why I didn't write about this sooner since I have have to deal with misconceptions about web design and web designers daily. Web design is still in a gray area of trade since anyone with a computer and Frontpage (I realize it's 2009 but people still use it) claims to be a web designer and companies overseas are churning out designs for a few dollars. I can't think of another industry where the tools make the profession, not the people using the tools. In no particular order, the misconceptions I deal with the most:

My Neighbour's Cousin is a Web Designer

Someone who has a computer and a basic knowledge of HTML or has Frontpage is not a web designer. Just because they have a tool and know how it works does not mean that they can use the tool effectively. Before you scroll all the way down and leave me a comment, think of it this way: am I a plumber because I have a wrench and can fix leaky faucets? Am I a chef because I have a frying pan and can make eggs? Am I a mechanic because I have jack and can change a tire? What I'm trying to say is that web design is about more than being able to put up what looks like a Word document on the Internet. Web Design is about delivering content effectively by building a site around usability and function, and overcoming your client's communication obstacles. 

Make Me a Site in a Week, I'll Pay You in two Months

This is a fun one since it doesn't work in any other profession. Really. Try leaving with your car after your next oil change without paying. Finish your meal and tell them you'll pay the bill when the person responsible for mailing cheques is back in three weeks. The underlying reason for this attitude is linked to the first point: a lot of clients think that web designers are just geeks with the right programs. I blame myself, and us designers, for this because when a lot of us starting out don't take deposits, give formal proposals, or make clients sign contracts. By introducing these into our process, we can deter the clients who are not worth the time and encourage those who are looking for a professional experience.

I Want a Nice Site With the Content Without Any Input from Me, Go!

I can almost empathize with this one since everyone wants everything done easily. The problem is that we don't know your business half as good as you do. Why would you intrust us with representing it accurately? You are responsible for your content and for message. (Ready for another analogy?) It's like going to the doctor, not telling him your symptoms, and asking him to find out the symptoms his self. He might get lucky by the way you look or act, but the process would by a lot smoother if you told the doctor about yourself. I find that these clients have never stopped and really thought about their business: what do they do, why they're better, and how they're different. 

Add Music. It's annoying? Add it, my Husband made it.

Deep breathes. Why did you call me? Exactly, to design your site, so when I emphatically tell you that adding music to your site is extremely bad practice, why not listen? I'm not saying you have no input on your own site, you're paying (hopefully) for it, but there has to be a level of trust in place. When you're told to put on your seatbelt because it astronomically reduces the chance of fatality upon collision, do you argue by saying you like the feeling of being free in your seat? When a web designer is adamant about not adding or adding a feature to your site and you don't listen, you're chances of causing visitor comfort/usability fatalities increases ten-fold. With these clients, I find that it helps to show them examples of the bad implementations of the feature they want and examples of amazing sites that don't need or use the feature.

I Like Your Design, But Use the Logo I Made in 1982

Again, I understand this one. You have some pride and you've maintained the same look for over 20 years and don't want to confuse your clients. But you have to realize that logos evolve and your existing logo is not suitable for your new web site. I'm not saying that the logo has to change completely but it needs to be updated. When you throw in your old logo into the mix, it cheapens the overall look of the web site and will turn visitors off. With these clients, I do a quick mock-up of an updated logo and throw it in the design and then show them the design with their old logo. That always gets the point across.

I realize while writing this, I refer to you as the client. I don't mean to but I found it a lot easier writing as if you were the client. Am I off base with these misconceptions? Did I leave ones out that make you want to take up wood twiddling so that you never have time to make another web site? Let me know below.