i ran across a thought-provoking article today on design observer on the topic of “look & feel” in design. working in this field, i find myself using that term quite often too, without really thinking what it might be translated as by those who perhaps don’t (need to) think about design/aesthetics in the same way.

“…it’s a euphemistic term that no better describes what good design can do than “nip and tuck” describes the work of a skilled brain surgeon.”

the article asks “is (look & feel) a babyish term that reduces the designer to the role of decorator — someone who gets asked to “color-in” strategic plans made by smart marketing wonks who think design is a no-brainer?” maybe sometimes it does. but in my experience so far, most (clients) have a fairly reasonable understanding of the role of design elements and how good design, web design in my case, can and should ultimately help to solve a problem.

what bothers me is when they don’t appreciate or realize the time it takes to achieve that! “hey! you’re in IT right? well uh, not exactly. whatever. you work with computers; can you make me a webpage? uh… hey, i might even pay you something for it; if i like it, that is. well, um, sure. when do you need it by? how about next week? um, that’s kinda tight. do you have any content? what’s that? you know, text, images… things you want on your site. uh, no. i thought you could do that for me?” anyway, you get the point. (hey drew, i’m not sure if this is up your alley, but if you wanna get riled up with me, i think we may have something here…)