“Trim and Speedy: Web Developer,

TUCSON, Ariz. - March 9, 2015 - PRLog -- Have you ever thought to yourself:  “Do I really need a web site?”  Or, if you have one, have you been satisfied with its contribution to your business model?  Byron Franek, Owner of ByroGraphics Design, Tucson, AZ, shares his observations:

The simplest design presents its content in an organized and accessible manner. But simplicity in web site design is the most difficult to achieve.

Franek states:  “I feel a lot of web designers put form before function; simple and efficient web site design is often more difficult than complex designs”

“Mystery meat navigation refers to web site interfaces which are creative, artistic and beautiful but not particularly intuitive."  Franek continues:  “I have been an artist since I was 5 and I take a dim view of artists who claim to be web designers, but actually know very little about human interface design.  With regard to modern design, the current trends in website design are excellent.”

“Skeuomorphicdesigns of the past 10-15 years have beeen largely replaced by cleaner designs”

Web developers vs. web designers.

A person hired to produce a web site should be a web developer, not a web designer. For Franek, “content is king:”; it is the web developer's job to organize content and present it to visitors with a clean, functional and intuitive user interface.

“Part of the beauty of web design is the white space. Inexperienced web designers fill up the white space, making the content less readable and accessible.  A balance of white, or empty, space is actually part of the design. Line-spacing , margins, padding and font colors and sizes – all need to be balanced.  The science in this art is a learnable skill.”

“Web developers usually understand the underlying code and functionality of the website better than web designers.  The web has become dynamic and modern websites should be responsive to the user's device.  Print design is relatively straightforward; website design is more complicated.”

Web developer/client relationship.

“In cultivating a working relationship with a potential client, I find trust is the principal ingredient which enables the relationship to work.   I expect my clients to fulfill certain requirements.  I walk my client through an introduction of a working vocabulary which will be useful to understand navigating a project.  However, I expect the client to adhere to established timelines, write or procure copy, submit professional-quality photographs or illustrations (size and quality) and thoroughly examine proofs.”

Significance of Apple, growth of mobile phones, html5.

“Apple caused a huge revolution with itsmobile  technology and, particularly, the introduction of the App Store.  Ostensibly, to protect its revenue stream, Apple does not allow 3^rd party plug ins on mobile phones. Consequently, RIA technologies like Flash Player, AIR and Silverlight cannot be viewed on these devices.”

“The recent introduction and widespread adoption of html5 has largely replaced Flash, however, I prefer Flash for its simplicity in development. I have found that HTML5 is far more time-consuming and miust be tested thoroughly across many browsers and platforms. Since Flash has it's own runtime, the browser and platform is less of an issue, and testing and debugging are greatly simplified.”

Positioning your site on the web.

“You have to earn it.  As your site grows in relevance, people realize it.  From the start, a business needs to recognize what it wants to communicate on the web.  An auto parts store will have a different purpose than a restaurant.  This returns us to the original question:  Why does my business need a web site?  The answer to this question leads into the second question:  How important is this site to the customers who will give me money?  The third question is:  Am I prepared to take responsibility for my web site and make it a living thing?  It should actually “breathe” and be dynamic.  It needs to have a pulse, just like a living body.  To ensure the site is always “fresh”, I think the addition of a blog is a great idea – it allows the owner of the site to easily add new content and communicate with visitors.”

Summary:

Are you willing to let the web site become your new best friend?  If so, contact me for further information:  Byron Franek, ByroGraphics Design, 50 N. Avenida de San Ramon, Tucson, AZ, 85710.