carvingCode: carving unique nooks in the web™

Johnathan Longnecker comes up with a Top 10 list for creating great web sites.  In it, he mentioned several ideas that I also focus on in web sites created by carvingCode.

Web typography. Your web typography will set your design apart from other studios. Study optimum line heights, widths and look for inventive ways to guide the viewer through your layout only using CSS rules. There’s something refreshing about only having 3 or 4 good fonts to work with. Flash replacement (sIFR) is alright, but don’t overuse it.

The web, by its nature, limits font choices.  I use the “simple, not simpler” approach in determining which fonts to use.  Less is best always applies here.

Variations of the same color. I like complimentary colors as much as the next designer, but not all designs have to be so polar. Again, subtle is the key here. Look for ways to implement your color, but at a different intensity.

Unless the web site is a Nickelodeon clone, color choices should be made to provide for the best access to the site’s content.  I use my “gut”, but also make use of tools and other tools to help me find the ideal complimentary colors.

Details. Honestly, it’s all about the details. Sweat over them, pour over them. Work on it until it feels right, both as an individual section and when viewed with the rest of the site as a whole. It takes time, but it’s worth it. You’ll be happier with your work and your client will be, too.

Honestly, I spend too much time sweating the details.  My hourly rate drops, but the results are worth it.

Beauty can’t be skin deep. You can’t just make it look good, it has to be usable, too. Your grandma should be able to figure out how to use it. Don’t be too proud to change it if it doesn’t work the first time. Or if it can be better.

You won’t find any full Flash-based web sites in my portfolio.  Ot sites with convoluted menus that only serve to impress a web designer.  I create sites that anyone can use.

Code architecture. If we’re coding the XHTML and CSS, then a whole other discussion on design comes up (maybe another Top 10 list in the future). We are given the task of designing the architecture of the site from a code standpoint. The way we utilize HTML elements like header tags, blockquotes, divs, etc… has very important ramifications for accessibility and search engine optimization, and can help future proof the site for new designs down the road. Our design to the code that most people will never see can be almost as important as the part that they do.

One of the most often asked for items I hear is that web sites be optimized for search engines.  You want your web site to be found.  I do too.  That’s why I design with standards and build sites using the Content Management Systems that take SEO as seriously as I do.

Maybe I’ll come up with my own Top 10 list.  Among the list would be “treat the client as if they were me.”