In Defense of Designers

I recently stumbled on a Web site openly promoting the concept of stealing Web designs. This site, which isn’t going to be named, asks the question “Why originate when you can emulate?” and goes on to say “Don’t hire an ordinary Web designer you can afford. Borrow the ideas of great Web designers you could never afford.”

Jaw. On. Floor.

The visual aspect of your branding is the first impression a potential customer receives of your business. A striking statement may say a lot, but it’s also painfully obvious when that great visual does not fit your core message.

On the Web, the skills of a good designer become even more apparent. The design, visuals and interaction craft the entire user experience. It’s this user experience that allows a customer to connect with your company. Designs should always be created to fit the content they’re promoting, to flow seamlessly with the information around them, and to convey the passion they’re serving.

Emulating design like this instantly reduces the design to a template. As consumers, we all know how easy it is to spot a template on the Web. As the old saying goes, “it’s the little things that give you away”.