Archive for the ‘RefreshTheTriangle.’ category

Client input in the web dev process

October 28th, 2007

Clients hire web developers (or their firms) because we are the experts. When I call someone in to fix my air conditioner I don’t let them work for awhile and then tell them they are doing their job wrong and I know the problem is the compressor. They are the expert, not me. When a client tells me the layout is unusable, the typography is wrong, the form isn’t styled properly, or [insert common client complaint here] I simply want to say – “Why don’t you do it?”.

» 5 Reasons it Sucks to be a Web Developer | Get A New Browser

I came across this post today (via wayne-sutton.com, an area blogger). The point above (#4) really hit home, and yet I have conflicting views on it. Primarily, the comparison to an AC repairman, while not necessarily wrong, is limiting. In some cases, when doing web dev work, you’re mostly working on mechanical stuff, and the comparison is apt.

However, when doing other work – the front-facing stuff, that’s generally when clients will throw in more feedback. At that point, the AC repairman analogy breaks down. You’re now more analogous to an architect, or interior designer, or maybe even just a cleaner. The input – “change these colors, move this around, etc.” is valid. They’re telling you how to do your job because that’s what they’re paying you to do.

I’ve had very few clients debate the finer points of natural vs artificial primary keys. I’ve had plenty chime in with ideas about the functionality they’d like to have, either backend or frontend.

I’m going to tag this as ‘refreshthetriangle’ and perhaps our local Refresh group (“Refresh the Triangle!”) may throw their 2 cents in…

Blogged with Flock

Tags: , ,

Refresh The Triangle first meeting

October 25th, 2007

I just got back from our new Refresh* meeting (“Refresh The Triangle”) – http://refreshthetriangle.org/. This was held at Viget Labs, and they were the initial organizers. We had a stab at a Refresh group a year ago, but it didn’t get off the ground. There were something like 30 people at tonight’s meeting, which was great. The always insightful Jackson Fox presented “Building User-Centered Web Apps in a Crunch”, with some good ideas on how to do user testing without breaking the bank or the project deadlines. Thanks Jackson!

Also, I got a chance to demo my new MatchOrClash site to Peyton Crump, Viget’s Director of Interactive Design, and he had some great ideas and feedback. If any of you readers are interested in playing with the demo, email me and I’ll send you a full URL to take a look at the work in progress.

* The Refresh idea is explained in more detail at their main site, which is also a directory of other Refresh meetings around the world.